Everyman: Morality Play Lesson Plan

Sins of the Forefathers

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

to understand the role of sin in medieval society as opposed to ours

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.4

Structure:

Initiate a classwide discussion of the seven deadly sins as they existed at the time of Everyman: Anger, sloth, lust, greed, gluttony, envy, and pride.

Begin by introducing students to the origin of the concept of mortal, or "deadly," sin in Catholic moral thought. You can find a modern definition in the Catechism of the Catholic church.

Divide students into seven (or fourteen) groups and assign each group to one of the deadly sins. Each...