Poor, poor, Addie Bundren…

Objectives Close read and analyze the development of Addie Bundren through her unique narrative Analyze the use of stream-of-consciousness in the telling of Addie’s story Compare/contrast what we know about Addie from other narrators to what we are told from her own perspective Understand the function of the chapter as it helps us realize the motivation for her request, particularly as it helps us understand her beliefs about words as opposed to action?

Worksheet With a partner, complete the worksheet. Your answers will serve as a base for the remainder of our discussion. Have students pair up and work together – give them about 10 minutes to do this Then discuss as a class – work through all of the questions

The whole reason the book exists… Addie has one chapter in the novel. What is the function of the chapter as it helps us realize the motivation for her request, particularly as it helps us understand her beliefs about words as opposed to action? Discuss the question briefly

Process Step One: Re-read Addie’s chapter taking notes that may help answer our question. Step Two: Pair up and discuss your insight. Step Three: Share your insight with the class. Give them 15 minutes

Relate to entire novel Faulkner chose to give Addie only one chapter in the novel. Why is it placed where it is? Why aren’t we given more insight into Addie Bundren? After all, she is the focus of everyone’s attention – doesn’t she deserve more? How does her chapter compare (in the way in which it is written) to those of the other narrators? Class discussion – call on students to share their responses

Go Back In your RJ – answer the following: What do we learn about Addie from the voices of the other narrators? How do her own thoughts compare/contrast with the image we are given of Addie? If close to the end of the hour – assign this as homework