1. “The Dinner Party”
By: Mona Gardner

2. Objectives:
Students will identify and explain conflict that exists within literature.
Students will make inferences and predictions as they read.
Students will understand new vocabulary using context clues in their reading.

3. Pre Read Do Now
What are some generalizations and stereotypes that exist and are given to both genders? In other words, what are some common generalizations that boys make about girls? What are some common generalizations that girls make about boys? Do you think that there is truth and validity to these stereotypes? Explain.

4. Checking for Comprehension:
Read paragraphs 2 & 3. Summarize and explain the conflict that is transpiring.

5. Checking for Comprehension:
Read paragraph 4. Our narrator provides important information regarding the story’s hostess. What words best illustrates the hostess’ emotions?
Alarmed and concerned
Happy and lighthearted
Relaxed and comfortable
Terrified and screaming

6. Citing Text Evidence:
What words in the paragraph tell us that the narrator is alarmed and concerned?
“…a strange expression come over the face of the hostess.”
“she is staring straight ahead, her muscles contracting slightly.”
“The boy’s eyes widen, and he quickly leaves the room.”

7. Checking For Comprehension: Read the first 3 paragraphs at the top of page 6
Once the American realizes that there is a cobra in the room and is likely under the table, why doesn’t he tell everyone seated at the table?
He isn’t very concerned and doesn’t think it’s a big deal.
He doesn’t want to be rude and interrupt the guests conversations.
He finds it more interesting to play a game with the guests.
He doesn’t want to stir the guests into panic and have someone get bit.

8. Drawing Conclusions:
Does the naturalist’s actions support the colonel’s original statement as cited on page 5 par. 3? Explain.

9. Post Reading: Checking for Comprehension/Making Inferences
In your own words explain the story’s ending.
In regards to the story’s conclusion, what does this say about the hostess and the original argument that took place at the beginning of dinner? Explain

10. Making Connections to Literature
Can you think of any examples of a particular instance where girls acted or behaved in a way that might not fit particular ‘gender stereotypes’ and vice versa?

11. Making Connections https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO_jfEk-adw