Nights at the Circus Lesson Plan

Reading with Theory: "Gender Trouble"

Kind of Activity:

Group Work

Objective:

Students will practice using academic theory to engage with non-academic texts.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.8, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.9

Structure:

How does Angela Carter engage with academic theory in Nights at the Circus? For one thing, many of Carter’s characters (especially the wise and knowledgeable ones) are well-versed in theory (political, philosophical, literary, feminist, etc.). Is this alienating? Illuminating? Does it make you interested in reading the theory referenced, or learning about it? Academic theory is a tool - a lens to use when analyzing...