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Lesson 1 (from Part 1, Chapters 1 and 2)

Objective

The objective of this lesson is to understand the historical, political, and cultural context of the time period when On the Road was written.

Lesson

1. In-class activity. Have students research various aspects of the 1950s, such as politics, events, and social issues. Ask students to imagine what it would be like to live in the 1950s.

2. In-class discussion. There were a few people who were considered rebellious in the 1950s, such as those identified through the McCarthy trials (this event should be identified through the 1950s research activity previously mentioned), Elvis, and Tennessee Williams. Why were they considered rebellious at the time? Would they be considered rebellious by today's standards? Were the beatniks rebellious? Do beatniks still exist today?

3. Bring political cartoons from the 1950s to class. Break students into groups and divide the cartoons among the groups. Have them analyze themes in the cartoons. Share...

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