Riding Freedom

Exceptional individuals often show strength and power in challenging circumstances as well as in everyday actions. Charlotte exhibits strength and power in different ways. How does Charlotte become exceptional? Consider these points as you formulate a response.

• In what ways (skills, talents, beliefs, traits) is Charlotte exceptional from a young age?
• To what extent is Charlotte’s exceptionalism innate?
• To what extent do Charlotte’s decisions affect her power?
• How does adversity affect Charlotte?
• How do Charlotte’s power and strength change as time goes on?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might journal, then re-read sections of the novel before the discussion. Identifying different ways Charlotte exhibits exceptionalism can lead to more complex analysis of her character. The discussion might incorporate each of the novel’s themes: Having the Courage to Make Difficult Choices, Persevering Despite Any Obstacle, and Gender Roles in 19th-Century America. Students might join one of three groups based on the themes for focused discussion.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY 1: “Charlotte’s Scrapbook”

In this activity, students will design and create a scrapbook of Charlotte’s travels.

Disguising her gender, Charlotte traveled throughout the 1800s. Research some of the places she would have seen and create a scrapbook of her travels.