Gone Girl Lesson Plan

Trial By Media

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

Students will be able to analyze the effect of the media on Nick and Amy's actions.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2

Structure:

The police investigation into Nick Dunne – and presumably, his upcoming trial – are massively influenced by the media. Nick invests time, effort and money into appearing sympathetic. In fact, it may well be his biggest concern after Amy's disappearance!

Students should brainstorm a list of the ways that media representation of a person or story might influence the justice system. For example, media coverage might bias the jurors, law...