SB 2.18 & 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of Life Objective: I will analyze “The Giving Tree” by locating and using text evidence to support the claim

SB 2.18 & 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of Life

Objective:I will analyze “The Giving Tree” by locating and using text evidence to support the claim that a Feminist Perspective creates a deeper understanding of the text.

You will need the following:SSR BookComposition BookSpringBoard BookElectronic Device


Read a book of your choosing for ten minutes.

SSR Reflection: Describe any women

characters in the book you are reading.

What are they like? How do they act? Are they treated the

same as the male characters?

If there are no female characters, describe the male characters: what are they like? How do they act?

SB 2.18 & 2.19 Feminist Critique: The Tree of Life Read the definition of Feminist Criticism on

SpringBoard p. 120.

Feminist Criticism Focuses on relationships between genders. Examines the patterns of thought, behavior,

values, enfranchisement, and power in relations between and within the sexes.

SB 2.18 & 2.19. Assumptions of Feminist Criticism

A pervasively patriarchal society conveys the notion of male dominance through the images of women in its texts.

SB 2.18 & 2.19. Assumptions of Feminist CriticismMany literary texts lack complex female figures and deem the female reader as an outsider, or require her to assume male values in terms of perceptions, feelings, and actions.


Issues of gender equality and sexuality are central to artistic expression.


Fictional portrayals of female characters often reflect and create stereotypical social and political attitudes toward women.


Texts authored by women may have different viewpoints from those in texts authored by men.


Respond to the questions on p. 129.

Be prepared to share your responses with the class.


Read the text of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree.

In the journal section of your composition book:

Who are the characters?

What is the subject?

What is the theme?

SB 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of LifeConsider the story from the perspective of Feminist Criticism. Respond to the following questions in your composition books:

How are women presented in the text? How are men presented?

How is the relationship between men and women presented?

To what extent does the portrayal of men and women support a patriarchal view of the world?

*Consider the illustrations as you respond to these questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWNWnm3IX2M




SB 2.18 & 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of Life Use the graphic organizer on p. 131 to

analyze The Giving Tree using the Feminist Perspective and providing examples from the story.

Consider the sample answers as you get started.

Be prepared to share your findings with the class.


Passage Analysis

“And everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves . . .”

The illustration presents the tree with arms outstretched as if she is embracing the male character and offering him a safe and secure area. While the tree (female) offers safety, the boy (male) takes from the tree without even a thank you. This ties into Feminist Criticism by focusing on the nature of the relationship between the male and the female.

“. . . And make them into crowns and play king of the forest.”

The boy (male) immediately establishes power over the tree (female). The idea of “king of the forest” implies that the boy not only rules, the forest, but also the tree. This supports the Feminist Criticism assumption that men are portrayed as dominant.

SB 2.18 & 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of LifeQuick Write (5 minutes)

Consider the final line of the story: “And the tree was happy.”

Do you agree that the tree is happy? Explain.

How did examining this story from the Feminist Perspective give you a new or different understanding of the story?

Documents

SB 2.18 & 2.19. Feminist Critique: The Tree of Life Objective: I will analyze “The Giving Tree” by locating and using text evidence to support the claim