English 11, Honors
The Sun Also Rises
ON TRIAL - Robert Cohn: Hero or Zero?
Overview: Having completed our reading of The Sun Also Rises, we will evaluate Robert Cohn to determine if he is a Hemingway Hero, or a Hemingway Zero? In order to truly argue one way or another, one must develop a complete understanding of Cohn and of Hemingway's intent with Cohn. What is a Hemingway hero? What qualities of this hero code does Cohn seem to support or violate? What aspects of Cohn and his life lead him to the behaviors by which he busies himself? As we peel back the layers on Cohn and on the novel what do we find that would help up defend Cohn as a hero or prosecute him as a zero? Following a period of research and preparation by both a defense team and a prosecution team, we will hold a trial by jury in class to determine Cohn's fate. In so doing, we must remember, the burden of proof lies upon the shoulders of the prosecution. While the prosecution must prove Cohn to be a zero beyond the shadow of a doubt, the defense team must be able to defend his actions and present evidence to support that he is in fact a Hemingway Hero.
Purpose: To critically analyze characterization, theme, and author's purpose; To develop and elucidate an argumentative stance through supporting primary text, secondary research, and original critical analysis.
Roles:1. Defense Team (6 people)
Lead attorney, 2nd attorney, 4 researchers
2. Prosecution Team (6 people)
Lead prosecutor, 2nd attorney, 4 researchers
3. Jury (9 people)
9 jurors who will decide outcome of case
4. Witnesses (5 people)
Brett Ashley, Jake Barnes, Mike Campbell, Ernest Hemingway, Pedro Romero
Grading and Requirements:
Defense Team: As a group, you will prepare a defense of Robert Cohn as Hemingway
Hero. Your group will conduct both primary and secondary research to
build support for the argument that Cohn is a Hero. The attorneys for
your team will verbally present your arguments and evidence during the
trial.
Grading: Your group must submit all evidence and analysis of the
evidence. This includes quotes, original analysis, and highlighted/
annotated literary criticism. You will also be graded on how well your
attorneys handle counter claims from the defense team.
Prosecution Team: As a group, you will prepare a prosecution of Robert Cohn as Hemingway Zero. Your group will conduct both primary and secondary
research to build support for the argument that Cohn is a Zero. The
attorneys for your team will verbally present your arguments and
evidence during the trial.
Grading: Your group must submit all evidence and analysis of the
evidence. This includes quotes, original analysis, and highlighted/
annotated literary criticism. You will also be graded on how well your
attorneys handle counter claims from the prosecution team.
Jury:As a member of the jury, it will be your task to decide which of the two
cases presented is more compelling. You will need to take extensive
notes during the trial in order to build your decision.
Grading: Each jury member will compile his/her findings and submit a one paragraph, analysis to support your findings. Your one paragraph essay must be submitted to turnitin.com, and will be due the day of the jury's final's decision.
Witnesses:As a witness, you will be asked numerous questions by both the defense
and prosecution teams. You must be prepared to answer their
questions in a matter consistent with both the character you are portraying and the novel, overall.
Grading: Your "performance" as a witness will be graded as an oral
presentation through which you will demonstrate your comprehension
and analysis of your character, your understanding of the character's
connections with Cohn, and your holistic understanding of the novel
as it pertains to any questions which either the prosecution or defense
may pose to you.