This guide to The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne includes analysis of the story, an extensive selection of study and discussion questions, key vocabulary terms, and a follow-up assignment.

Nineteenth century middle-class American women saw their behavior regulated by a social system, known today as the cult of domesticity, which was designed to limit their sphere of influence to home and family. Yet within this space they developed networks and modes of expression that allowed them to speak out on issues facing the nation. Students will read four sets of passages and identify which principals of the cult of domesticity are illustrated and how. Students will also perform textual anlayses to determine audience, voice, point of view, themes, and the rhetoric used.

This lesson explores the essay Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson, focusing on an analysis of individualism. It includes background information on Emerson, sectional analysis of the text, accompanying reading questions and activities, vocabulary terms, and a suggested follow-up assignment.

Although American colonists complained bitterly about British taxation policy, it was not until 1775 that they decided to take up arms against the king. What changed? The Battles of Lexington and Concord. The killing of Americans by British troops transformed a largely peaceful resistance into an armed rebellion. In this lesson students will read three primary sources that illustrate this shift, including a farmer's diary, a broadside, and a sermon. Students will perform close readings and answer a series of text-dependent questions.

In the 1850's abolition was not a widely embraced movement in the U.S. It was considered radical and extreme. In his speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Frederick Douglas sought to make abolition acceptable to Northern whites. In addition to making historical points about attitudes towards slavery in the 19th century, this speech can be used to teach formal rhetoric. The lesson features five interactive activities requiring close reading and analysis of Frederick's use of language and rhetorical strategies.