Is having students write a psychological analysis of one character a good idea???

[Angela Hartmann]

I'm currently teaching English IV and we just finished Their Eyes Were Watching God. I'd like my kids to write a psychological analysis on one of the characters. However, I've never taught this sort of paper. Any advice? Of course, we'll go through the usual steps of brainstorming and drafting, but how can I better prepare my students to really analyze one specific character and prove why the character is the way he/or she is portrayed? I was thinking of having my students use direct quotes from what other characters say about their character as evidence....

Is this a good idea? Should I scratch this altogether? My kids really loved the book and they are excited to write an essay and I want to make it fun. Thanks in advance!

[Ron Shapiro]

Angela: As a way for your students to understand character beyond the page, try the Bone Structure as a way for them to find quotes to support their commentary about a character. Not only is this a way to engage students in discussing how they preceive a particular character, it also pushes them to close read the text for supporting details.From the Bone Structure, you can help students understand the psychological aspects of a character.

[Jeff Lombardo]

I've used some of the analysis tools of our school psychologist and social worker to analyze Holden Caulfield - it's always worked out exceptionally well as students must study the text for actual evidence of Holden's issues. I'd recommend it!

[Ron Shapiro]

Here's the file.

[Angela Hartmann]

Thank you, both!!! I appreciate your insight!!! Ron, I don't think the file uploaded :(

Again, Thank you!!!!!

[Julie Bowerman]

Our psychology class teacher apparently uses this essay approach regarding literary characters and the mental conditions presented in the class. One of my students asked if she could write an essay about Macbeth using this technique last year, and I read a fascinating analysis of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Your idea sounds like fun!

[Carol Sanders]

Google the Six Pillars of Character. This will provide a basis for discussing characters. Another neat site is the Kiersey Temperament an dCharacter website at www.kiersey.com. This allows students to answer a few questions in order to determine their own temperament, then they can read all about the various temperaments and discuss how a character fits one or more of those temperaments.