The Satanic Verses Lesson Plan

Origins of Islam

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will research the origins of Islam and discuss how it pertains to the novel.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1

Structure:

Part 2 of The Satanic Verses marks the beginning of the novel's most important subplot, focusing on the "satanic verses," which are drawn from actual (alleged) Islamic history. As in the novel, Mohammed is said to have briefly embraced three female demigods before realizing that the compromise he reached with the Grandee had been spoken by the devil. However, this story is considered by most Muslims to be apocryphal, and has been removed from the Qur'an.

Both of...