A Separate Peace Lesson Plan

What If?

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Imagine what would have happened if Phineas survived

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3

Structure:

Finny's death colors Gene's entire recollection of the summer, and therefore the entire book. Students will write alternate-ending epilogues of 500+ words, from Gene's perspective, in which they imagine what would have happened if Finny had lived.

Begin by forming small discussion groups to talk about what might have happened. Prompt them to imagine details of Finny's life and his relationship with Gene. What would Finny have done after graduation? Would he have forgiven Gene? Also prompt students to...