Free Lesson Plan
Introducing Literary Theory – A Unit Wrap-Up
Objectives:
• Introduce the concept of literary theory
• Introduce students to the basic tenets of Feminist, Marxist, Psychological, and Mythological
Literary Theory
• Analyze a work read in class using basic questions from a variety of theories
Time:
1 class period
Materials
One copy of each handout
Procedures
1. Introduce the concept of literary theory.
Begin the class by asking, “Is there a single correct interpretation for a book?” In an informal
discussion, explore the idea of what a book “means.” Ask specifically about the most recent
book that you read together in class and steer the discussion to an understanding that works
of literature have multiple levels of meaning and can be interpreted in a variety of different
ways.
In discussing the concept of “meaning,” try to introduce one or two potential literary theories
as possible meanings for the text. See the following three examples of popular classroom texts
as examples.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Is The Great Gatsby about the differences between the rich and the poor and what a person
needs to do to cross that gap?
Or is it about what a man will do in an attempt to impress the woman he loves and how
people are trapped by society into their relationships?
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Is Lord of the Flies about the struggle between those who have the weapons and power and
those who are attempting to maintain civilization?
Or is it a retelling of the biblical story of the Fall and humanity’s being cast out of the Garden
of Eden?
