Standard: 9-10.RL.9 – Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare).
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Literature
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on students analyzing how authors draw on and transform source material in their works. This skill is important as it enhances students’ understanding of intertextuality and the evolution of themes and ideas across different texts. Students should have a foundational understanding of literary themes, motifs, and the historical context of classic literature.
Students will develop critical thinking and comparative analysis skills, enabling them to understand and interpret complex texts and their intertextual relationships.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that authors merely copy source material without adding anything new. This is incorrect because authors often reinterpret and transform the material to create something unique.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, guide students to identify and discuss the unique elements and creative changes an author makes when transforming source material.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that understanding the source material is unnecessary for appreciating the new work. This is incorrect because knowledge of the source material can provide deeper insights and enhance appreciation of the new work.
Intervention 2
To remediate this, demonstrate how understanding the source material can enrich the reading experience and provide deeper insights into the new work.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of literary themes, motifs, and historical context of classic literature.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop skills in critical thinking and comparative analysis, enabling them to understand and interpret complex texts and their intertextual relationships.
Instructional Activities
- Compare and contrast essays on different adaptations of a theme
- Group discussions on how modern works reinterpret classic stories
- Creative projects where students create their own adaptations of classic works
- Research assignments on the historical context of source material
