Three clips from the documentary Hemingway by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick form the basis of a lesson on Ernest Hemingway. Viewers use a graphic organizer to identify elements of privilege and social status that "aided him in creating, publishing, and in gaining notoriety/fame."

Concepts

ernest hemingway, social classes, literary analysis, film analysis, mental health, depression, suicide

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Instructional Ideas

• Before launching the unit, instructors should read carefully the Teacher's Guide linked in the Included Materials section of this review

Classroom Considerations

• Part of the "Ken Burns in the Classroom Collection"
• Due to the frequent references to mental illness, preview the video to determine if appropriate for your classroom
• The lessons in the PBS "Ken Burns in the Classroom Collection," authored by Julia E. Torres, have a point of view; instructors should examine the entire series to decide whether it's a good fit for their population

Pros

• Includes links to teaching tips about how to approach sensitive topics, including alcohol abuse and suicide, depicted in the clips 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.7.7 RI.8.7 SL.8.2 RI.9-10.7 RI.11-12.7 RH.6-8.7 RH.9-10.7 RH.11-12.7