The Golden Compass Lesson Plan

Gyptian Representation

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

Consider whether the Gyptians are a positive representation of a marginalized group.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6

Structure:

Your students may or may not know that the Gyptians are based on a real ethnic group and culture. Like the Gyptians, Romani people face a lot of prejudice and disenfranchisement, especially in European countries. Consider some of the ways that the Gyptian people are oppressed in The Golden Compass (for example, heightened police suspicion). Have your students read the following article about Roma representation in comics and...