Literary Devices in "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde

In this class, students will learn how the use of literary devices and active, growing characters in the Oscar Wilde fairy tale "The Happy Prince" gains the readers' empathy and reinforces the lesson of the importance of helping others.  Prior to class, learners will be required to read or listen to the story "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde.  This is a public domain story and is easily found online. During the first week's class, we will discuss how the story made us, the readers, feel.  Prior to class, students are welcome to create a work of art or writing to share with others and to help express those feelings during this first week's class.  After sharing how the story made us feel and why, we will delve into a discussion of literary devices and character development.  We will discuss how the use of these devices contributes to the meaning of the story - the importance of helping others.  
In this class, students will learn to write a one to two-page essay describing how their choice of literary device or character development contributes to the emotion and meaning of the story. For example, students may choose to write about how the personification of the swallow and the statue add to the storyline. They may choose to write about the irony found in the attitude of the Happy Prince.  They may choose to write about how the characters change throughout the story or how the people's attitude regarding the value of the Happy Prince changes throughout the story. Topics relating to literary devices or character development will be approved for the essay. Creativity is encouraged in this writing assignment.
In week two of the class, learners will present their essays to the class. The class will discuss the points made in each learner's essay.  
I will teach this class through discussion and PowerPoint presentations. I teach through interaction with the students and their interaction with each other. Discussion is of utmost importance. I believe students learn best when they enjoy what they are learning and when the learning environment promotes discussion. Learners should come to class prepared to think about the components and lessons of the fairy tale, to write about these components, and to have fun in class.