The teaching implemented in this unit reflects the requirements of the Connecticut's Common Core of Learning K-12 Content Standards. The curriculum for Language Arts in the New Haven District adheres to the state standards and each unit offers the opportunity to teach, deepen or scaffold the four essential standards: Reading and Responding, Exploring and Responding to Literature, Communicating with Others, and English Language Conventions. Specifically, my students read, interpret, analyze and evaluate two texts from two different genres, novel and drama, in order to extend understanding and appreciation of how setting, imagery, structure and symbolism are affected by the choice of a specific genre and are ultimately reflected in the character; they apply strategies to facilitate word recognition and develop a vocabulary to comprehend the text. They also explore multiple written responses to Thomas Hardy's novel and Shakespeare's play, and discuss their analysis. In composing the documented essay, they reinforce the conventions of Standard English.