The Time Machine by H.G. Wells - A Novel Study
In this two-week course, students will read H.G. Wells's novel, The Time Machine, by participating in a Socratic Seminar discussion and learning about the historical context and analyzing the text for its literary elements.
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 read outside of class so that our discussion can be held during class.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
In this course, students will read The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. This is the first novel with a time machine actually featured and Wells coined the name that we all use today. As we read, we will discuss the novel in class while analyzing the story and making historical connections with relevant events of the author's time and how they connect to modern society.
"The first great novel to imagine time travel, H.G. Wells's The Time Machine (1895) follows its narrator on an incredible journey that eventually takes him to the Earth's last moments. When a Victorian scientist invents a machine that allows him to travel to the year AD 802,701, he encounters a highly evolved society of people called the Eloi, for whom suffering has apparently been replaced by refinement and harmony. First impressions are misleading, however, and his discovery of the Eloi's true relationship to the brutish Morlocks who lurk in the tunnels beneath them leads him to a horrifying insight into the fate of mankind and its roots in his own time". - Citation is provided below!
Week One, Day One:
Introductions and Welcome
Discussion of the Text
Introduction to Author and Setting
Introduction to Historical Context
Introduction to Literary Elements
Week One, Day Two: Chapters 1 - 4
Suspension of Belief
The Science of Time Travel
Suspense and the Return of the Time Traveller
Initial Reactions and Suspicions of the Future
Week Two, Day One: Chapters 5 - 7
Creatures and Peoples of the Future
Expectations vs. Reality
Morlocks vs. Eloi
Week Two, Day Two: Chapters 8 - 12
Symbols and Themes of the Novel
Historical Connections and Messages
The Future of the Future
Climax, Falling Action, Resolution?
Citation:
Wells, Herbert George. The Time Machine. First Vintage Classics Edition ed., New York, Vintage Books, 2017.Learning Goals
- Students will be able to identify the following literary elements: character and character development, genre, plot development and major plot points, symbolism, themes, and more!- Students will engage in discussions and debates with one another as we explore more than just reading comprehension but also the complex decisions the author makes and its cultural and historical connections to the time period.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Week One, Day One
Introductions and Welcome, Discussion of the Text, Introduction to Author and Setting, Introduction to Historical Context, Introduction to Literary Elements 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week One, Day Two
Chapters 1 - 4: Suspension of Belief, The Science of Time Travel, Suspense and the Return of the Time Traveller, Initial Reactions and Suspicions of the Future 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week Two, Day One
Chapters 5 - 7: Creatures and Peoples of the Future, Expectations vs. Reality, Morlocks vs. Eloi 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week Two, Day Two
Chapters 8 - 12: Symbols and Themes of the Novel, Historical Connections and Messages, The Future of the Future, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution? 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be discussing historical events from England during the 1800s where class issues were common and a major national struggle. During class, we will talk about these issues and how they shaped England moving forward.
Supply List
Students will need to purchase the novel or access it in some way. Attached to the enrollment will be a document where you can find several versions of the novel that would work and are ones that I recommend!
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
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968reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught many book studies in my professional career. I am currently running multiple novel studies on Outschool that have been met with great success and interest. I love taking part in discussions and ensuring that the students' needs and interests are met as they read. We will cover many literary devices throughout our discussions by developing a literary journal documenting our understanding of the text. There will also be an option to write an essay at the end which I am happy to provide feedback or to tutor students on.Reviews
Live Group Course
$40
weekly or $80 for 4 classes2x per week, 2 weeks
40 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-6 learners per class
