IF BELOVED WERE OUR JUNIOR THEME NOVEL, how would we go about researching the novel? How would we find what the experts say about Morrison's work? And what have other writers and artists said about the same themes explored in Beloved? This week we will begin exploring what other writers have done with Morrison's theme(s). At the same time, students will share their key-word banks for their own research.

MONDAY

Introduction to the Norton Anthology of African-American Literature, "The Vernacular Tradition." While reading, we will identify topic sentences in this overview of Black American literature.
HW: Listen to the 8 minute interview with the ex-slave, as well as the introductory two paragraphs on African-American spirituals. Finally, read both "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" and "Go Down, Moses," in today's handout.

TUESDAY

The Slave Narrative. Discussion of last night's homework, and a review of the spirituals. We will then move into the aforementioned narratives, comparing it Sethe's experience in Beloved.
HW: Finish reading the slave narrative we started in class.

WEDNESDAY

Frederick Douglass. Reading selections of his narrative.
HW: Read the first half of part three, chapter one, tonight, 281-285.

THURSDAY

Continuing in Douglass' narrative of a life.
HW: Read the second half of chapter one, up through page 309.

FRIDAY

In the library. Today students will begin outlining a paper that describes the most important, least obvious theme that a) their author develops in the novel and b) other writers comment upon that same theme, also from the novel.
HW: You should have competed your google-sheet outline, listing both what your author says on your selected theme, via the novel AND what four other writers say about that same theme, in your your novel.