The Pearl by John Steinbeck - A Novel Study
In this two-week course, students will read Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck's The Pearl, a parable about greed and evil, to analyze the plot, symbolism, character development, and more!
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete the reading outside of class time.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
"Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the Gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a seagull's egg, as 'perfect as the moon.' With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security... A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folktale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love". The citation is provided below!
As we read our novel, The Pearl by John Steinbeck (1945), students will explore the novel through discussions, analysis, and more! Students will have the option to complete written reading comprehension questions, analysis, and essays. If you would like to have access to these things, please make sure to reach out to me throughout our class!
Day One:
- Introduction to the Author, John Steinbeck
- The Nobel Peace Prize
- Pearls
- Introduction to the Novel and Background Information
- Controversial Topics
- Introduction to History at the Time of the Novel
Day Two:
- First Reading (Chapters 1 - 2)
- Reading Guide Questions
- Character Analysis and Historical Connections
- Analysis Sheet and Discussion Questions
- Resume Elements of Character Personalities
Day Three:
- Second Reading (Chapters 3 - 4)
- Reading Guide Questions
- Character Analysis and Plot and Theme
- Plot Line and Theme Analysis with Discussion Questions
Day Four:
- Third Reading (Chapters 5 - 6)
- Reading Guide Questions
- Plot, Theme, and Symbolism
- The Parable
Citation:
Steinbeck, John. The Pearl. Penguin Books, 1992.Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Identify Historical References
- Analyze Characters for Traits
- Use Period Appropriate Language and Diction
- Identify Elements of the Plot
- Organize Plot Points in Consecutive Order
- Identify Theme
- Discuss All Elements of Story Writing
- Identify and Define Symbols of the Novel
- Define and Explain Parable
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The story does have an emotional ending so PLEASE make sure to investigate it ahead of time before having your student sign up for this class. I will not spoil anything here as it would give away the ending, but make sure to see what happens before deciding to have your student sign up for the class. Below is the link to the parental advisory rating for the novel for your perusal! It covers all topics such as themes of racism, violence against women, and murder.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-pearl
Supply List
Students will need only the book. All other materials will be provided to students through the classroom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
967reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught this class through several semesters of professional teaching and through Outschool. I teach Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men multiple times a year. You can find this course at the following link: https://outschool.com/classes/of-mice-and-men-a-novel-study-Q3MIofiT?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
I also teach a flexible course version of this novel which can be found at this link: https://outschool.com/classes/of-mice-and-men-a-novel-study-aOJRTZQ1?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_linkReviews
Live Group Class
$38
weekly or $75 for 4 classes2x per week, 2 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
1-6 learners per class
