Lesson Plan 3
Lesson Plan for “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”
Objectives After completing the Lesson students should be able:
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1. To understand the meaning of theme, plot, setting, conflict, protagonist, antagonist and resolution.
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2. To understand the nature of the quest as it is developed in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”.
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3. To write a critical essay on an assigned topic dealing with themes in this story. Topics would be: leadership, honesty, greed, happiness and quests.
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4. To have an increased vocabulary.
Introducing Novel:
Teacher should begin with background of 3. Traven’s life, emphasizing his unique life and philosophical outlook as it becomes one and the same with his writings. Traven’s other major works should be highlighted, with particular emphasis placed on his recurring themes dealing with quests.
Vocabulary Activities:
The teacher will use the following words to introduce vocabulary activities. The teacher may write the vocabulary words on the chalkboard or use dittos. Activities may include dictionary activities and sentence writing assignments.
treasure
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scheme
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slave
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enterprise
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clever
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master
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possession
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acquire
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adventures
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peso
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transport
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ravine
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centavos
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quest
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confiscate
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worthless
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avaricious
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greedy
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foreigner
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swindle
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honesty
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value
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vain
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Homeric
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miracle
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conscience
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accumulate
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Questions for Discussion:
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1. What is the overall theme of the story? What are some secondary themes?
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2. Who are the protagonist and the antagonist of this story?
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3. What is the nature of the quest as it relates to the characters in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”?
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4. How do greed and the search for gold affect the characters in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”?
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5. In this story, what does it mean to be master of your property and not slave to it?
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6. What is the meaning of a civilized man? How is this issue brought out in this story?
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7. How is the nature of leadership dealt with in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”?
Enrichment and Writing Activities:
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1. Compare and contrast the nature of the search for gold for each of the main characters in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”.
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2. Write a three paragraph essay explaining the essential meaning of the tale about Dona Catalina Maria de Rodriguez.
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3. Write a short criticism of Dobbs, Curtin, or Howard. Include the following:
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a. how he related to law and honor
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b. ability to cooperate with others
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c. ability regarding leadership
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d. personality regarding ability to handle possession of a treasure.