The Natural By: Bernard Malamud

Bernard Malamud  Malamud was born on April 26, 1914 in Brooklyn, New York  He was one of the great American Jewish authors of the 20th Century  Books he wrote were based around myths  Wrote eight novels and fifty-four short stories during his life  Died on March 18, 1986  Malamud was born on April 26, 1914 in Brooklyn, New York  He was one of the great American Jewish authors of the 20th Century  Books he wrote were based around myths  Wrote eight novels and fifty-four short stories during his life  Died on March 18, 1986

The Natural  The Natural was written and published in 1952  Characters are said to be focused on myths and legends  The book tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a gifted baseball player with “natural” abilities  The story was made into a movie in 1984 and stars Robert Redford  The Natural was written and published in 1952  Characters are said to be focused on myths and legends  The book tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a gifted baseball player with “natural” abilities  The story was made into a movie in 1984 and stars Robert Redford The original cover for The Natural

Student Tasks  Read the book  Take notes on every chapter (Journal)  Include important characters involved in each chapter  Describe important events that may effect the outcome of the story  When the book is complete, students will be writing a one page essay on the notes they took!  Read the book  Take notes on every chapter (Journal)  Include important characters involved in each chapter  Describe important events that may effect the outcome of the story  When the book is complete, students will be writing a one page essay on the notes they took!

Essay  As stated before, students will be writing an essay on The Natural. This essay needs to include the following:  Characters (establish main characters only)  Events (events that lead to an outcome)  How they feel about the book (liked, disliked)  Whether they would recommend this book to another reader  This essay will be due on Friday, May 15, 2009 during their class period  As stated before, students will be writing an essay on The Natural. This essay needs to include the following:  Characters (establish main characters only)  Events (events that lead to an outcome)  How they feel about the book (liked, disliked)  Whether they would recommend this book to another reader  This essay will be due on Friday, May 15, 2009 during their class period

Activities  Throughout this book, we will be doing several activities. These include:  Chapter quizzes  In-class games on book  Student (partner) presentations on each character  Ex. Jack and Diane- Roy Hobbs  Because the class is doing these activities, this means that every student must READ the book  Throughout this book, we will be doing several activities. These include:  Chapter quizzes  In-class games on book  Student (partner) presentations on each character  Ex. Jack and Diane- Roy Hobbs  Because the class is doing these activities, this means that every student must READ the book

What will we learn?  The Natural is a book about failure, beliefs, and the American culture.  It is based in the early 20th Century, therefore we will learn about what life was like during these times.  Students will be able to relate to myths and legends because of characters.  They will also learn about baseball, one of America’s greatest past times.  The Natural is a book about failure, beliefs, and the American culture.  It is based in the early 20th Century, therefore we will learn about what life was like during these times.  Students will be able to relate to myths and legends because of characters.  They will also learn about baseball, one of America’s greatest past times.

Final  When the students have finished the book, they will be taking a final test  The final paper will be due on May 17, 2009  After all planned activities are finished, the class will watch The Natural  Hope you enjoy the book!!!!!  When the students have finished the book, they will be taking a final test  The final paper will be due on May 17, 2009  After all planned activities are finished, the class will watch The Natural  Hope you enjoy the book!!!!!