Analyzing the Setting


ELAR-Grade-7 Literary Genres Analyzing the Setting
Students identify the setting of a photo of a tropical island. Then, they read and respond to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Ambitious Guest.” Next, they explain how setting influences character and plot. Finally, they apply what they have learned to a story they know and like.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Teacher Pack

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Here are the teacher pack items for Analyzing the Setting:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students identify the setting of a photo of a tropical island. Then, they read and respond to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Ambitious Guest.” Next, they explain how setting influences character and plot. Finally, they apply what they have learned to a story they know and like.

Objectives

  • Identify the setting of a work of fiction.
  • Explain how the setting influences character development.
  • Analyze how the setting influences plot development.

Duration

One class period. You may choose to have students read the short story before beginning the experience.

Vocabulary Words in “The Ambitious Guest”

  • bleak: dreary, dull, cheerless
  • internal: inside something, such as a nation or a body
  • commerce: business
  • reception: act of being received; greeting
  • instinct: a strong inner feeling or drive
  • haughty: conceited; stuck-up
  • undistinguished: not worthy of special notice
  • destiny: fate
  • security: safety
  • endured: survived


The setting of a story is the time and place where it occurs. In this experience, you will find out how the setting can be critical to character and plot development.

Objectives

  • Identify the setting of a work of fiction.
  • Explain how the setting influences character development.
  • Analyze how the setting influences plot development.


tropical island and surrounding bay

Look at the photo above.


What is the location shown? (You don’t have to give an exact name.) Describe the general place in as much detail as you can. Try to make an estimate when the photo was taken.

Post your answer

If you answered correctly, you have identified the setting of the photo. Now go to the next scene and learn about the settings of stories.


Discuss student responses. Their wording will vary; for example, “a tropical island” or “an island with mountain, a jungle, and water.”

The time of the setting is not stated, but since it is a high-quality color photo, it was probably taken in a recent decade.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Literary Genres Unit.
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