Literary Analysis Essay Lesson Plan: "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
Grade Level: 11th and 12th Grade English
Duration: 60 minutes per session, 8 weeks
Weeks 1-6: Reading "The Handmaid's Tale" Assign reading of 56 pages per week.
Week 1-2: Introduction to "The Handmaid's Tale" and Literary Elements (Session 1 & 2)
    1. Session 1 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Introduce Margaret Atwood and provide background on "The Handmaid's Tale."
        ◦ Discuss the dystopian genre and its elements.
        ◦ Assign the first 56 pages for the next session.
    2. Session 2 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Review the assigned reading.
        ◦ Explore characters, settings, and themes.
        ◦ Introduce literary elements: plot, characterization, setting, and symbolism.
Week 3-4: In-Depth Analysis (Session 3 & 4)
    1. Session 3 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Discuss character development and relationships.
        ◦ Analyze significant events and conflicts in the narrative.
        ◦ Assign the next 56 pages for the next session.
    2. Session 4 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Review the assigned reading.
        ◦ Examine symbolism and its role in the story.
        ◦ Discuss narrative structure and point of view.
Week 5-6: Thematic Analysis (Session 5 & 6)
    1. Session 5 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Discuss themes and motifs in "The Handmaid's Tale."
        ◦ Analyze the social and political commentary within the text.
        ◦ Assign the next 56 pages for the next session.
    2. Session 6 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Review the assigned reading.
        ◦ Explore the author's use of language and style.
        ◦ Discuss how themes contribute to the overall message.
Week 7: Literary Analysis Essay Preparation (Session 7)
    1. Session 7 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Review key literary elements, themes, and character dynamics.
        ◦ Discuss the requirements and expectations for the literary analysis essay.
        ◦ Provide a detailed essay prompt, outlining expectations for structure, evidence, and analysis.
        ◦ Guide students in developing a strong thesis statement.
Week 8: Final Meeting and Essay Submission (Session 8)
    1. Session 8 (60 minutes):
        ◦ Allow students to ask final questions about the essay.
        ◦ Discuss the importance of revising and editing.
        ◦ Clarify the submission process and due date.
        ◦ Share guidelines for providing constructive peer feedback.
    2. Homework Assignment: Literary Analysis Essay (Due Week 8)
        ◦ Students will submit their literary analysis essays based on the provided prompt and guidelines.
Assessment:
    • Literary Analysis Essay (Week 8 submission)
Additional Considerations:
    • Encourage students to use evidence from the text to support their analysis.
    • Provide resources on essay writing and literary analysis techniques.
    • Conduct peer review sessions to enhance the revision process.
    • Offer virtual office hours for individual student assistance.
Note for Teachers:
    • Adjust the pace and content based on the needs of your students.
    • Foster a supportive and collaborative virtual learning environment.
    • Emphasize the importance of critical thinking and original analysis in literary essays.