A. Read and Analyze “His Motto” – RL.7.3, RL.7.6 (35 minutes)

• Review the appropriate learning target relevant to the work to be completed in this section of the lesson:

“I can explain how the setting shapes the characters and plot in ‘His Motto.’”

• Inform students that they will finish reading the story “His Motto” and analyze how the characters, setting, and plot interact, as well as finish their descriptions of how the points of view of the characters are developed and contrasted in the story. Explain to students that although they read the story for homework, complex texts must be read several times to comprehend and analyze them.
• Invite students to retrieve their copies of “His Motto.” Distribute copies of the Story Elements: “His Motto,” Part II note-catcher and Story Elements: “His Motto,” Part II note-catcher ▲. The differentiated note-catcher supports students’ writing and comprehension with sentence frames. ▲ Explain to students that they will use this note-catcher to analyze the second half of the story. As necessary, review what students will record in each box and explain how this note-catcher is similar to the note-catcher from the previous lesson.
• Ask for student volunteers to take turns reading the whole story as the class follows along.
• After the story has been read, and before moving on to analysis of the elements of the story, allow students to reflect on their reactions to the racial dynamics in the story. Students may want to react to or learn more about how and why the story depicts the white businessman deciding to provide an opportunity for the young black American boy after initially holding racist views of him, and how the black American boy is portrayed as being delighted to have this opportunity, even though he was likely aware of what the white businessman initially thought of him. Students should understand that while this story dramatizes the social dynamics between two people, it does not provide the context that explains how those dynamics came to be: that is, the historical factors that led to a white businessman having so much wealth and power, as well as his feeling empowered to decide whom to offer opportunities or support to and when to do it. Allow students to voice their discomfort or questions about the circumstances that make this scenario possible. Encourage them to challenge portrayals of Durmont’s character development by grappling with critical questions like, “Where does Durmont’s racism come from? What in his environment reinforces those attitudes? How does Hilton challenge Durmont’s prejudices? If Hilton had not built his own telegraph machine, would Hilton’s point of view toward Durmont have changed by the end of the story? What does this suggest about the depth or sincerity of Durmont’s development?” An optional Mini Language Dive addresses these questions directly, supporting students as they navigate these complex issues.
• Invite students to Turn and Talk with a partner about the following questions. After each question, ask for student volunteers to share out responses and add to their “His Motto” story Elements note-catchers in the “Scene Three Interactions” box. See Story Elements: “His Motto,” Part II note-catcher (example for teacher reference) for guidance. Circulate and support students as they fill out their note-catchers to confirm understanding of the different aspects of the story.

“What is the setting of this final scene in the story? How is it described?” (The setting is the room where Hilton has set up his wireless telegraph. It is described as a “one-room shack” which has the wireless, a “shelf of books,” and pictures of airplanes as well as a model airplane.)

“How does the description of this setting help develop the character of Hilton?” (The description of the setting shows that even though Hilton doesn’t have a lot of resources in his “one-room shack,” he is very curious and creative. He keeps many books and pictures of airplanes and aviators as well as a model airplane.)

“Who are the characters in the scene? What is their relationship to each other?” (The characters are Durmont and Hilton. They have just met, and Hilton has offered to help Durmont send an important message, using his wireless telegraph. Durmont is doubtful that Hilton can help because he is prejudiced against him.)

“How does the relationship between the characters influence what happens in the story’s plot?” (Durmont’s doubts about Hilton makes the reader wonder what will happen. When Hilton sends the message, it is a triumph for the character and helps to highlight that Durmont’s prejudices are wrong and harmful.)

• Direct students’ attention to the Point of View box on their “His Motto” Story Elements note-catchers. Ask students to recall the points of view at the beginning of the story about Hilton’s ability to help Durmont. Ask students to Think-Pair-Share about the following questions about those points of view and how they change over the course of the text. As students share, encourage them to add to their “His Motto” Story Elements note-catchers. See “His Motto,” Part II Story Elements note-catcher (example for teacher reference) for guidance.

“What were Durmont and Hilton’s points of view about Hilton’s ability to help Durmont earlier in the story? How did they change by the end of the story? What is an event or description that shows Durmont reconsidering his point of view?” (Durmont was skeptical that Hilton would be able to help and expressed and demonstrated prejudice toward him. Hilton was confident that his wireless would work, however. Durmont’s point of view changes as he sees Hilton working and considers himself in that position. When Durmont reads the motto on the wall, he “looked at the boy as if seeing him for the first time.” Hilton’s point of view about his own ability remained the same, as he seemed to always be confident in his own work.)

“Imagine that Hilton had never built a telegraph machine and thus could not transmit Durmont’s wireless message. Do you think that Durmont’s point of view toward Hilton would still have changed by the end of the story?” (If Hilton could not have helped Durmont by transmitting his wireless message, Durmont’s point of view toward Hilton would likely not have changed. He would have maintained his earlier prejudices and dismissed Hilton based on the color of his skin. This suggests that Durmont’s prejudices remain until someone has something to offer him.)

“Reread this line from the end of the story: ‘To find himself threatened with a large financial loss; to have this averted by the help of the scientific knowledge of a colored boy, and that boy rating the fact of his success higher than any pecuniary compensation—he had to pull himself together a bit.’ What three shocks does Durmont endure in this story?” (His business is threatened; it is saved by a black boy; the black boy regards success as more important than money.) “What do these lines show about how hard it is for Durmont to change his misconceptions? What does this imply about the depth and strength of his prejudice?” (Durmont cannot believe that a black boy can help him and can value success above money. This is as shocking to him as a crisis in his business. These lines show how deep and damaging Durmont’s prejudice is.) 

• If students don’t suggest it, point out that when Durmont reconsiders Hilton, it is a turning point in the story. Ask volunteers to define a turning point. (It is a moment when an important change takes place.)

“What is the meaning of the ‘motto’ that Durmont sees on Hilton’s wall? How does the motto influence Durmont’s point of view of Hilton as well as the plot?” (The motto is from Abraham Lincoln, and it means that if you work hard and prepare, you will be rewarded when opportunity comes. Durmont sees the motto and is reminded of himself when he was young and working hard to achieve his dreams. It helps him understand that Hilton had it much harder than he did, as he had limited resources and had to face prejudice because of his race. It also helps convince Durmont to offer Hilton an opportunity to work with him.)

“Do you think Durmont’s character has truly changed? Use evidence from the text to support your opinion.” (Either response is appropriate: Yes, his character has changed, because he sees Hilton in a new light, is shamed by his own prejudice, and offers Hilton a job. No, his character has not changed. He maintains his power as a wealthy white man who can give or take away opportunity from Hilton as he pleases.)

• Repeated routine: Invite students to reflect on their progress toward the relevant learning target.