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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

A Scandal in Bohemia Lesson Two:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E2b Students produce a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work. E3b: Participate in group meetings in which students give reasons in support of opinions expressed. Volunteer contributions and respond when directly solicited by the teacher or discussion leader. E5a examine the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

OBJECTIVES

  • Students will be able to identify "Antagonist, protagonist, tone, catastrophe."
  • Students will analyze the relationship between Holmes and Watson.
  • Students will analyze/discuss Holmes’ feelings about women.
  • Students will work together to demonstrate an understanding of a story.
  • Provide silent reading time for students.

RESOURCES

  • Sherlock Holmes text

QUOTABLE QUOTE

"Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting."

- A Scandal in Bohemia

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

  • Students have read "A Scandal in Bohemia" and other Holmes adventures.

    ACTIVITIES

  • Mini-lesson: What is the difference between an antagonist and a protagonist?
    Identify each in "A Scandal in Bohemia."
  • Mini-lesson: Students will begin working immediately on story related questions.

    • 1) In Holmes’ opinion, what are the characteristics of a "keen observer?"
    2) Watson is not as keen as Holmes so, why is he in the stories?
    3) What does Holmes want Watson to do at Briony lodge?
    4) What do you think Holmes will do with the photograph?
    5) Holmes knows immediately that the visitor is the king of Bohemia. What details revealed this?

  • Discussion: Holmes doesn’t seem to have a very high opinion of women? Why is this so? In your small groups discuss this. Use examples from anywhere in the text to support your answers. Although he doesn’t speak about it, what type of parents do you think Holmes had? Where do his views come from?

    INTEGRATION OF OTHER SUBJECTS

  • Social Studies

    ASSESSMENT

  • Quiz: "A Scandal in Bohemia"
  • Read "The Red Headed League."
  • Journal: Summarize your group’s discussion and elaborate on your own feelings.

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