Comparing and Contrasting Powerlessness

Just as promised, I have decided to do this week's blog post about Eastern European literature. Specifically literature from the mid-1900's. I would like to take the time to thank my Twitter followers and the #WritingCommunity on Twitter for your input. I hope you enjoy the post. I am looking forward to your commentary.

Also, I previously discussed that I would be posting blog entries from my Multi-Cultural Literature course this semester. This post happens to be from the course, hence the reason why the lesson plan is included. I hope that this is useful to teachers and individuals who host book clubs, or perhaps it could be useful for a group discussion or writing prompt.

Well... Without further adieu, may I present to you: Comparing and Contrasting Powerlessness.

Eastern European literature is extremely heartfelt and contains writings that discuss powerlessness and political dilemmas that occurred during the mid-1900’s. Two authors we will be looking at are Franz Kafka and Anna Akhmatova. Kafka was from the Czech Republic, and Akhmatova was from Russia. The stories we will be discussing are Akhmatova’s “Requiem” and Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.” Both stories demonstrate powerlessness and the different ways the protagonists coped with it.

Kafka’s writings often dealt with themes of powerlessness because of his upbringing. Being a Jew in Bohemia (the current Czech Republic) was difficult due to racism during that time. He also dealt with an overbearing father. Akhmatova lived under Stalin’s rule in Russia and that is oppressive in of itself. “The Metamorphosis” deals with the protagonist “Gregor” becoming an insect. He deals with feelings of powerlessness due to this ailment and the oppression and mistreatment he receives from his family.

“Requiem” is written in a poetic style and discusses all of Akhmatova’s despair she feels from being oppressed from Russia’s dictatorship. She mentions her son being in prison and foreshadows her own death. Both writings are fantastic examples of the theme of powerlessness. They can be compared and contrasted in a paper or presentation.

Lesson Plan:

Each of these activities are meant to supplement the lesson on powerlessness that can be conveyed through the two pieces. These activities are meant for high school and some college aged students.

1. Have students read both pieces and discuss what themes they take out of them. (There can be other themes besides powerlessness.)

2. Have students write a diary entry as someone from an oppressed group from history. (Some examples are but not limited to: Native Americans, Jews during the Holocaust, African slaves, etc.)

3. Discuss current oppressed groups in our society. Pitch an idea for a metaphorical story such as “The Metamorphosis” and “Requiem” for these current situations.

Supplemental Information:

Here is some more background information on each of the authors.

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anna-akhmatova

http://www.kafka-online.info/franz-kafka-biography.htm