Literature Comparison Activities Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Odyssey Lesson

Teach multiple grade levels? This bundle includes comparative lesson plans for four Common Core exemplar texts that range from ninth to twelfth grade. Have students think critically by comparing mediums with classic literature and modern film!

“The Odyssey” with O Brother Where Art Thou?

With O Brother Where Art Thou?, a fabulously creative adaptation of “The Odyssey,” students will identify and analyze the key corresponding scenes (links included)! There is also an analysis chart for theme, motif, mood and tone, and, project options!

“Macbeth” with Hocus Pocus

Though not an adaptation of “Macbeth” Hocus Pocus shares certain character motives and flaws with the Tyrant King. This includes guiding analytical questions and project options!

“Julius Caesar” with Mean Girls

Also not a proclaimed adaptation, there are many similarities to be found. This includes graphic organizers to find the parallels, an analysis activity between Cassius’s Act I scene ii speech and Gretchen’s rant, analytical questions and project options!

“Hamlet” with The Lion King

A well known and loved “Hamlet” adaptation! Students may not even be aware that one of their familiar childhood movies has its roots with Shakespeare! This includes links for the corresponding scenes, graphic organizers for students to identify everything with, an analysis chart, a song analysis between “The Circle of Life” and Hamlet’s “To be or not” soliloquy and project options!

This bundle has everything you need to help students master the CCSS of comparing mediums by identifying the plot and character parallels between these wonderful written and cinematic works.

ANSWER KEYS AND RUBRICS INCLUDED FOR EVERYTHING!

**Please note: Links are included for each scene of The Lion King and O Brother Where Art Thou? However, for Mean Girls and Hocus Pocus you must have a copy of the DVD as there were not sufficient clips available online.**

Additionally, this bundle contains ZIP files with PDFs; they are not editable. This is to help protect my work. If you are looking for something editable, this product does not give that capability.  However, all PDFs can be used with distance learning, by using the mark up tools within the PDF.**

This bundle covers the following CCSS:

Key Ideas and Details:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.9
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take

Text Types and Purposes:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Production and Distribution of Writing:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

Research to Build and Present Knowledge:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Comprehension and Collaboration:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Conventions of Standard English:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Key words: Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, The Odyssey, Shakespeare, Homer, compare