Lesson Plan: Morals and Integrity in Sunset Boulevard
Subject: English
Duration: 30 Minutes
Topic: In Sunset Boulevard, Individuals Lack Morals and Integrity
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyse key themes of morals and integrity within the narrative of Sunset Boulevard.
- Discuss the consequences of moral ambiguity as represented by the characters.
- Develop critical thinking and discussion skills through group collaboration.
Materials Required
- Copies of selected excerpts from Sunset Boulevard
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if visual aids are used)
- Notebooks and pens
Introduction (5 minutes)
Begin the lesson by introducing Sunset Boulevard, providing a brief overview of the film’s plot and key characters. Emphasise its setting in the world of Hollywood, a place often associated with glamour but also moral corruption.
- Discussion Prompt: Ask students to share their initial thoughts about Hollywood as a setting. Do they perceive it as a place of opportunity or deceit?
Group Activity: Thematic Analysis (10 minutes)
Instructions
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
- Distribute excerpts from the film, focusing on scenes that showcase moral dilemmas and integrity issues faced by the characters (e.g., Norma Desmond, Joe Gillis).
- Each group will identify key quotes and moments in the text that illustrate these themes.
Responsibilities
- Highlight specific actions that demonstrate a lack of morals.
- Discuss how these actions contribute to the overall message of the film.
- Prepare to share their findings with the class.
Class Discussion (10 minutes)
Bring the class back together and have each group present their findings. As they share, encourage the following points:
- Moral Ambiguity: How do the characters justify their decisions? What does this say about their integrity?
- Consequences: Ask the class to consider the repercussions of the characters' actions on themselves and others.
Guiding Questions
- What does the film suggest about the nature of fame and success?
- How do individual choices lead to a degradation of morals and integrity in the film?
Conclusion (5 minutes)
Wrap up the lesson by summarising the key points discussed concerning morality and integrity in Sunset Boulevard. Emphasise that these themes remain relevant in today's society, especially in media and celebrity culture.
- Final Thought: Encourage students to reflect on their own values and how the influence of societal pressures can shape individual ethics.
Homework Assignment
As an extension of the lesson, assign students to write a short essay (300-500 words) on one of the following topics:
- Choose a character from Sunset Boulevard and analyse how their lack of morals affects their life and the lives of others around them.
- Discuss the relevance of the themes of morality and integrity in contemporary society, drawing parallels to modern figures in the media.
This lesson plan aims to engage students critically with the themes of Sunset Boulevard, fostering a broader understanding of morality and integrity in both literature and real life.