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Lesson 1 (from Prologue | Chapter 1)

Objective

In the Prologue of the novel, the mayor is heckled and nearly attacked by an angry mob of blacks and Hispanics who shout anti-Semitic slurs at him. The mayor fears this public attack will mar his chances for reelection. This introduces the idea of race-relations as a political tool, a central theme in the novel.

The objective of this lesson is to discuss the dynamics of race on display at the offset of the plot.

Lesson

1. Divide the class into two groups, and have each group make a list of aspersions cast from one racial group to another in the prologue. One group should focus on the Harlem residents attitude toward Jews, and the other group should focus on the mayor's attitude toward blacks and Hispanics.

2. For class discuss: How is race a political tool in America? On the board, list racial groups (Jewish, Italian, Hispanic...

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