Theme and Social Issues
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Objective
I can analyze how a theme reflects or comments on social issues.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
TED-Ed · 4:44Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Henry Littlefield, a high school teacher, connected "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to the social and economic issues of the Gilded Age.
- 2
Littlefield interpreted characters like the Scarecrow as the farmer, the Tin Woodman as the industrial worker, and the Cowardly Lion as William Jennings Bryan.
- 3
Some scholars believe the Emerald City represents the dazzling new urban consumer culture, while others maintain the book is simply a children's story.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
10 questions
What historical period was Henry Littlefield trying to make more engaging for his students?
According to Littlefield's interpretation, what did the silver shoes (later ruby slippers in the movie) symbolize in 'The Wizard of Oz'?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how Henry Littlefield's interpretation of "The Wizard of Oz" reflects social issues of The Gilded Age.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
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