Lesson 3: “Narrative Style”

Novel section focused on for this lesson:

Pages 45-70

What’s on for today and why?

In the chapter “Jim at Bat” the style Earley employs is very different than the
rest of the novel. The entire chapter is italicized and Jim is referred to as “the
boy.” Today’s goal is to examine this chapter closely to evaluate the
rhetorical strategies Earley is using and why it is significant that the narrative
style switched for this chapter.

What to do:
Re-read p 45-47, “Jim at Bat” with the students.

Break the class up into pairs or groups of 3. Have each group pull out one
significant sentence from each paragraph within these two pages- AND/OR
descriptive words that paint a picture in the mind. Students need to pull the
sentence and descriptive word out of the paragraph and write it down on a
separate sheet of paper and explain: why they chose this particular sentence
to be significant and what the descriptive word adds to the scene.

For example, paragraph 2 on p. 45, “He blames himself for the boy’s lack of
success.” Uncle Zeno, who appears to be the leader among the uncles, holds
himself responsible for Jim’s success not only in baseball here, but in life. He
works hard at instilling good morals within Jim and if Jim fails, he blames
himself.

After the students completed this part begin to share findings. Ask students
if Earley drew a picture in their mind of this scene? What sentences or words
stick out in their minds and has an affect over their senses? Discuss how
authors use literary elements such as imagery to appeal to the senses.

If there is remaining time left in the period have students begin reading the
pages they have assigned for homework.

Homework:
Read up to Book III (pg. 70)

How did it go?

In order to assess the success of today’s lesson reflect if students were able
to articulate and cite where in the text imagery was being used. Were
students able to recognize a narrative style change within the chapter?