Seven clips from the documentary Hemingway by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick inform an investigation of how aspects of Ernest Hemingway's life influenced his writings.

Concepts

ernest hemingway, literary analysis, film analysis, alcohol abuse, mental health, biographies

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Instructional Ideas

• Before beginning the series, instructors should carefully examine the Teacher Guide linked in the Included Materials section of this review
• Use the seven-part resource after learners have studied at least one of Hemingway's novels or short stories

Classroom Considerations

• The resource comes with a warning that the clips deal with issues of alcohol abuse and suicide; preview the provided links for tips on how to approach these topics with your students and their families
• As part of the "Ken Burns in the Classroom" series, the PBS lessons have a point of view; instructors should preview the entire series to determine if appropriate to their classrooms

Pros

• The packet includes an activity that has class members creating a presentation about how a modern song-writer, artist, or author's life is reflected in their work

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.7.7 RI.8.7 SL.8.2 RI.9-10.7 RI.11-12.7 RH.6-8.7 RH.9-10.7 RH.11-12.7