Lesson 1 (from Chapter 1)
The tone of the first chapter of the novel provides a strong contrast to the events and tone of later chapters in the novel. This lesson will focus on examining the initial events of the novel to determine its tone.
1) Review the literary device of tone focusing on how author's develop tone (if necessary).
2) Divide students into small groups. Ask each group to create a visual representation of the relationship between Mary and Colin focusing on the events described in this first chapter. Have each group share their creations.
3) Class discussion: Based on the events in this chapter, what tone do you think the author is trying to establish? Why? What do you think the author wants you, as a reader, to think of Mary and Colin?