Lesson Note on Introduction to “Native Son” by Richard Wright for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Prose Fiction
Previous Lesson: Role-Play of “OTHERO” by William Shakespare.
Topic: Introduction to “Native Son” by Richard Wright
Subject Matter: Meaning of the novel “Native Son”, background of the novelist, background and setting of the novella, plot summary and sequence of events, cause and effect relationship

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Explain the meaning and significance of the novel “Native Son.”
• Describe the background of the novelist, Richard Wright.
• Identify the background and setting of the novel.
• Summarize the main plot and sequence of events in “Native Son.”
• Identify cause and effect relationships within the novel’s narrative.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the social and historical context reflected in the novel.
• Show interest in reading and discussing the novel further.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Participate actively in discussions about the novel’s themes.
• Take organized notes on the key aspects of the introduction.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate effectively during group discussions on plot and themes.
• Respect diverse interpretations of the novel’s content.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Wright, Richard. Native Son. Harper & Row, 1940.
• Okonkwo, A. (2018). Essential Literature in English for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press PLC.
• www.waecdirect.org
• www.neco.gov.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of the novel “Native Son” (or excerpts)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (optional) for displaying relevant images or text

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational elements of Richard Wright’s “Native Son,” a significant work in African American literature. Understanding the author’s background, the novel’s setting, and its plot summary enables pupils to engage deeply with its themes and characters, preparing them for more detailed literary analysis.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of literary terms such as novel, plot, setting, character, and theme, and some familiarity with the concept of social injustice from previous literature lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to ‘Native Son’ by Richard Wright

Meaning of the Novel “Native Son”

“Native Son” is a novel that explores the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans in 1930s Chicago. The title refers to Bigger Thomas, a young Black man who is a product of his environment, shaped by the racial prejudice and limited opportunities imposed upon him by society. The novel critically examines the psychological impact of racism and poverty on individuals.

Background of the Novelist: Richard Wright (1908-1960)

Richard Wright was a prominent African American author whose works often dealt with racial themes and the struggles of Black individuals in a prejudiced society. Born on a plantation in Mississippi, he experienced poverty and racial discrimination firsthand. He moved to Chicago during the Great Migration and became involved with the Communist Party, which influenced his critique of social injustice. His experiences deeply informed his writing, making him a powerful voice in American literature.

Background and Setting of the Novel

The novel is set in Chicago in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. This period was marked by severe economic hardship, rampant racial segregation, and discrimination against African Americans, particularly in Northern cities where many had migrated seeking better opportunities. The story takes place primarily in the South Side ghetto, where Bigger Thomas and his family live in extreme poverty, and in the affluent home of the Daltons, a wealthy white family for whom Bigger briefly works.

Plot Summary and Sequence of Events

“Native Son” tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man living in poverty in Chicago. The sequence of events unfolds as follows:

• Part 1: Fear – Bigger is hired as a chauffeur for the wealthy white Dalton family. On his first night, he accidentally smothers Mary Dalton, the daughter, out of fear when he tries to move her from her bedroom. He attempts to cover up the murder by dismembering and burning her body in the furnace.
• Part 2: Flight – Bigger and his girlfriend, Bessie, flee after Mary’s bones are discovered. Bigger murders Bessie to silence her. He is eventually captured after a dramatic chase across the city.
• Part 3: Fate – Bigger is put on trial. His white lawyer, Boris Max, argues that Bigger is a product of a racist society, not inherently evil. Despite Max’s defense, Bigger is found guilty and sentenced to death. The novel ends with Bigger accepting his fate, having gained a sense of self-understanding.

Cause and Effect Relationship in Literature

A cause and effect relationship in literature refers to how one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect). Understanding this helps analyze character motivations and plot development.

• Example from “Native Son”: The systemic racism and poverty Bigger experiences (cause) lead to his feelings of fear, anger, and hopelessness (effect), which in turn contribute to his impulsive and violent actions, such as the accidental killing of Mary Dalton (cause) and his subsequent desperate attempts to cover it up (effect).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they have heard of the novel “Native Son” or its author, Richard Wright. The teacher then briefly introduces the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and its relevance.

Step 2: Explanation of the Novel’s Meaning

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the significance of the title “Native Son” and what the novel aims to portray regarding racial injustice and the societal pressures on African Americans during the 1930s.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes on the meaning and context of the novel.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core message and thematic concerns of “Native Son.”

Step 3: Background of Richard Wright

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Biographical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the key aspects of Richard Wright’s life, including his experiences with poverty and racism, and how these influenced his writing of “Native Son.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and record important biographical details.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the author’s life experiences to the themes in his work.

Step 4: Background and Setting of the Novel

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Contextualization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes the historical period (1930s Great Depression) and the specific geographical setting (Chicago, South Side ghetto) of the novel, explaining how these elements shape the narrative.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and note down the social, economic, and racial conditions prevalent during the novel’s setting.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the socio-historical context in which the novel is set.

Step 5: Plot Summary and Sequence of Events

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a concise summary of the novel’s plot, highlighting the main events and their sequence, divided into the three parts: Fear, Flight, and Fate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and outline the major events of the plot, discussing the sequence of incidents.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the overall storyline and progression of “Native Son.”

Step 6: Cause and Effect Relationship

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines cause and effect in literature and guides pupils to identify examples of cause and effect relationships within the context of “Native Son.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and identify how certain events or conditions lead to others in the novel.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to analyze cause and effect relationships in literary texts.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the central message of Richard Wright’s “Native Son”?
2. Mention two significant aspects of Richard Wright’s background that influenced the novel.
3. Describe the setting of “Native Son.”
4. Briefly summarize the main events of Part 1 (Fear) of the novel.
5. Explain the concept of cause and effect relationship in the context of the novel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main points of the lesson, encouraging pupils to read the novel and prepare for further discussions on its themes and characters.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and prepare for subsequent lessons.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are prepared for future lessons on the novel.

Lesson Keywords

• Native Son – A novel by Richard Wright exploring racial injustice.
• Richard Wright – The author of “Native Son,” an influential African American writer.
• Chicago Ghetto – The impoverished, segregated Black neighborhood in Chicago where Bigger Thomas lives.
• Plot Summary – A brief overview of the main events and sequence of a story.
• Cause and Effect – A literary device where one event directly leads to another.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research more about the historical context of the novel or other works by Richard Wright. For pupils who require more support, the teacher can provide simplified plot outlines or specific questions to guide their note-taking.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have a good understanding of “Native Son” and its historical context. Encourage open discussion while maintaining a respectful classroom environment, especially when discussing sensitive topics like racism and social injustice. Ensure pupils understand that the novel reflects a specific historical period and societal issues. Provide opportunities for pupils to express their initial reactions to the summary of the novel’s plot.