"The Pearl" - A lesson on parables

We recently began reading The Pearl, by John Steinbeck in 8th grade English. For those who haven't read it (I hadn't before last week), The Pearl is a a short story (novella) that is also a parable. As the gospels are full of parables, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for deeper biblical integration.

While biblical integration is something I try to do to some extent in every class, the kind of biblical integration that encompasses an entire class period can only be done ever so often. Today was one of those days.

I began by breaking the students into groups of three and then had each group select one of the following three parables from Matthew:

• Parable of the Sower - Matthew 13:1-9
• Parable of the Weeds - Matthew 13: 24-30
• Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25: 14-30

Yesterday in class, we discussed the definition of a parable as well as some of the key characteristics that all parables have. Today, with that information fresh in their minds, each group was tasked with answering the following questions about The Pearl as well as the parable they chose in Matthew:

1. What is the lesson or larger truth that each of these stories tells?

2. In a parable, good and evil are clearly defined. Who are the "good" characters and who are the "bad" characters in both stories?

3. What should the reader DO as a result of reading this story? 

4. What symbolism or analogies do we see in both stories? What do they symbolize?

From an English Literature perspective they were also able to deepen their understanding of symbolism, analogies, theme, and characters through this exercise. 

We spent the last fifteen minutes of class having each group come to the front and present on what they discovered. As a classical school, public speaking in something we emphasize and value. These 8th graders will be taking speech class in two years and hopefully presenting in front of class will be second nature for many of them by then. 
The only thing I would do differently about this lesson next time is I would assign the groups their parables. Today I gave them the freedom to choose and most of the groups chose the same parable which was fine, but it would have been more enjoyable to listen to presentations on a variety of parables instead of the same one. 

My goal in this lesson, was for them to recognize that the characteristics of parables that we discussed earlier in the week can be found in both the novella that we are reading as well as in the Bible. This concept emphasized one of our essential questions for the day: 

Essential Question: How do parables transcend time and place to employ a universal theme? 

We discussed how the lessons in The Pearl, as well as in the parables in Matthew still apply today.  Not only does this help them understand that parables are applicable throughout generations, but also the Bible is still relevant to our lives today. 

We also discussed why Steinbeck might have written this book and what he wanted to accomplish. Also, why did Jesus tell his parables? What did HE want to accomplish? For both authors, what change did they want to see in society because of their story? This led to the enduring understanding for the day:

 Enduring Understanding: Writing can be used to effect change in society.

All in all, I think this was a great lesson and I would definitely do it again.