Teaching literature to students can be a challenging endeavor, but delving into the world of classic authors and their works can be both educational and inspiring. One such author deserving of exploration is Daniel Defoe, the renowned writer of the 18th century, best known for his novel “Robinson Crusoe.” Another one of his major works that merits study in the classroom is “Moll Flanders,” a fascinating narrative that offers insight into the social norms and issues of the time. In this article, we will discuss how to teach students about Daniel Defoe and his famous work “Moll Flanders.”
1. Introduce Daniel Defoe: Before diving into the text, it’s essential to provide students with background information on Daniel Defoe as an author and individual. Born in 1660 in Staffordshire, England, Defoe experienced a tumultuous life that influenced his writing. He wore many hats throughout his career, including being a merchant, journalist, spy, and prolific writer.
2. Explore Historical Context: To understand “Moll Flanders” fully, students must grasp the historical context in which it was written. Emphasize the significance of the early 18th century and its tumultuous political atmosphere in England at the time. Explain how these factors influenced Defoe’s writings and shaped his view on society.
3. Analyze themes and literary devices: As with any great work of literature, “Moll Flanders” contains several themes and employs various literary devices that are worth discussing with your students. Notable themes include morality, social class disparities, crime and punishment (specifically related to women), and redemption. Additionally, talk about narrative tone, symbolism, allegory, and other literary devices that help convey these themes throughout the novel.
4. Foster Empathy through Character Exploration: Moll Flanders is a three-dimensional, complex character with an intriguing life story. Encourage students to explore her motivations, tactics of survival and moral contradictions. This will not only help them better comprehend the context of the story but also allow them to empathize with a historical figure from a different time and place.
5. Engage in contemporary discussions: Draw parallels between the issues raised in “Moll Flanders” and present-day society. Prompt discussions around gender equality, crime and punishment, and social institutions’ roles, highlighting how literature can remain relevant over centuries.
6. Writing Activities: Encourage students to engage with the text on a personal level by doing various writing exercises. They can write analytical essays examining the themes or characters, reflective essays about connections they’ve made between their lives and Moll’s journey or creative pieces inspired by Defoe’s writing style.
7. Utilize multimedia resources: Showcase adaptations of Defoe’s works to facilitate comprehension and increase engagement among visual learners. Students can watch film adaptations, read graphic novels, or check out art pieces inspired by “Moll Flanders” to expand their appreciation of the story.
Teaching students about Daniel Defoe and “Moll Flanders” can be a rewarding experience for both educators and learners alike. By offering contextual information, exploring themes and characters, and engaging in contemporary discussions, you will enrich your students’ understanding of this classic work and showcase literature’s enduring relevance through generations.
