The Bonfire of the Vanities Lesson Plan

Investigating the AIDS Epidemic

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will research the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and how it particularly affected New York City.

Structure:

The AIDS epidemic carved a devastating path through the LGBTQ communities of the 1980s, with New York City being particularly affected. Although Wolfe doesn't engage very closely with this aspect of 1980s New York, the arrival of Buffings gives us a moment to recall that this was happening during the novel's time period. For this activity, students will research and report on the epidemic.

Begin by conducting research to gather historical information about the AIDS epidemic in New York...