The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Lesson Plan

Interpreting Race in Books

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will consider the assumptions they make about race when they read and interpret novels.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9.6

Structure:

As in many books, there is no mention of most characters' race in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. While this allows readers to imagine characters however they please, it is common for readers (especially white readers) to assume that characters are white unless otherwise stated. This activity will be affected by whether or not students have seen the 2004 movie version of Hitchhiker's Guide, as their view of the actors may affect how...