Overview
This guide is designed to facilitate discussions and activities around Hattie’s War, a novel that immerses students in the post-Civil War era and explores themes of personal identity, mental health, and societal expectations. It aims to enhance students’ understanding of historical context, encourage empathy, and foster critical thinking skills.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the historical context of the post-Civil War era and its influence on characters and society.
Explore themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and personal identity development.
Understand the portrayal of mental health issues in a historical setting and their relevance today.
Examine the role of creativity and art as mechanisms for coping and self-expression.
Pre-Reading Activities
- See Think Wonder book cover activity is a great way to introduce the book.
- Summarize the era if the Civil War has not been fully explored in class yet.
Example summary of the post-Civil War era
The Enduring Legacy of the Civil War
While the Civil War between the Union and Confederacy ended in 1865, its aftermath would leave a profound and enduring impact on American society, politics, and economics for generations to come.
Socially, the abolition of slavery was undoubtedly the most significant outcome, dismantling the centuries-old system of human bondage. However, true racial equality and integration remained an elusive goal plagued by ongoing discrimination, disenfranchisement, and violence towards Black Americans. The war had exposed the nation’s moral contradictions in preaching freedom while preserving oppression.
The Civil War also transformed traditional gender roles and family structures. With so many men serving in the armies, women took on new responsibilities managing households, businesses, and farms while also providing nursing and supply services for soldiers. The deaths of over 600,000 soldiers left widows and fatherless children whose sacrifices were etched into the national conscience.
Politically, the Civil War settled the question of federal authority over states’ rights via military victory. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments codified abolition, citizenship rights, and voting rights into the Constitution. Yet these legal milestones sowed further discord as their implementation was bitterly resisted by unrepentant Confederates and white supremacists.
The Republican Party, which had formed in opposition to slavery’s expansion, dominated the presidency and Congress during the Reconstruction era from 1865-1877 as they sought to enforce these reforms over Southern objections. This protracted period of federal military oversight left lasting enmity between the North and South.
Economically, the war ravaged and impoverished the Confederate states while catalyzing the rapid industrialization and westward expansion of the victorious North. The South remained predominantly agricultural while the North forged ahead with steel, railroads, machinery, and banking on an unprecedented scale. A new class of wealthy industrialists and powerful business trusts amassed fortunes in this Second Industrial Revolution.
Perhaps most profoundly, the Civil War cemented the United States as one unified, indivisible nation after being threatened with permanent fracture. However, the deep political, racial, and economic schisms it exposed made rebuilding that nationhood an ongoing challenge. The war’s casualties, memories, and symbols became part of the American psyche, both celebrating unity and exposing injustice. Its transformative impact would reverberate across all levels of society for over a century to come.
Discussion Questions
Historical Context and Impact
How does “Hattie’s War” illuminate the societal changes and challenges of the post-Civil War era? Discuss the historical accuracy of the setting and events. What did you learn about this period that you didn’t know before?
Character Development
Hattie Howell’s growth from a curious child to an independent young woman is central to the narrative. How do her experiences and relationships influence her development? Can you identify any pivotal moments that significantly impact her character?
Themes of Resilience and Determination
Explore the themes of resilience and determination in “Hattie’s War.” How do these themes manifest in Hattie’s life and the lives of those around her? Discuss examples where Hattie or other characters display these qualities.
Artistic Expression as a Form of Connection and Rebellion
Art plays a significant role in Hattie’s connection to her late father and her rebellion against societal expectations. Discuss how Hattie uses her art as a means of understanding her father and asserting her independence. How does art serve as a bridge between the past and present for Hattie?
The Role of Letters in Storytelling
Letters between Hattie and her Uncle Byron offer deep insights into her father’s character and the realities of war. How do these letters advance the narrative? Discuss the effectiveness of letters as a storytelling device in revealing character depth and historical context.
Women’s Roles and Societal Expectations
How does “Hattie’s War” address the roles of women and societal expectations in the late 19th century? Discuss how Hattie and other female characters conform to or challenge these roles. How do these issues resonate with today’s societal norms and expectations?
The Impact of War on Families and Societies
Although the Civil War is over before the story begins, its impact is deeply felt throughout the novel. Discuss how the war affects the characters and the society they live in. How does the legacy of the war influence Hattie’s understanding of her family and herself?
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Hattie’s journey is as much internal as it is external. Discuss the aspects of self-discovery and personal growth that Hattie experiences. How do her artistic endeavors, relationships, and the challenges she faces contribute to her understanding of herself and her place in the world?
The Influence of Historical Events on Personal Lives
“Hattie’s War” shows how historical events can shape individual destinies. Discuss how the backdrop of the Civil War influences the characters’ lives and decisions. Can you draw any parallels to how current or recent historical events have shaped personal lives?
The Role of Legacy and Memory
Consider the role of legacy and memory in the novel. How do the memories of Hattie’s father and the legacy of the Civil War shape the characters’ lives and identities? Discuss the importance of preserving memory and how it impacts future generations.
Activity 1: Crafting Historical Narratives
Objective:
Students will create their own short historical narratives inspired by “Hattie’s War,” focusing on integrating accurate historical details with compelling personal stories.
Materials:
– “Hattie’s War” excerpts
– Historical timelines and fact sheets on the post-Civil War era
– Writing materials or digital devices for composition
– Rubric for narrative writing focusing on historical accuracy and creativity
Procedure:
- Historical Immersion Workshop (20 minutes): Begin with a brief interactive presentation on key historical events and daily life aspects of the post-Civil War era, using visuals and artifacts (if available) to deepen understanding.
- Narrative Brainstorming (20 minutes): In small groups, students brainstorm ideas for their narratives, focusing on how historical events influence their characters’ lives, similar to Hattie.
- Writing Session (20 minutes): Students begin drafting their stories, encouraged to weave historical facts with the personal growth of their characters.
- Peer Review (20 minutes): In pairs, students exchange drafts for feedback, focusing on historical accuracy, character development, and emotional depth.
Activity 2: Decoding Diaries – A Peek into the Past
Objective:
Students will write diary entries from the perspective of characters in “Hattie’s War” or imagined figures of the time, exploring historical events, daily challenges, and personal feelings.
Materials:
– Excerpts from “Hattie’s War” for inspiration
– Historical facts and event timelines
– Diary templates and writing materials
Procedure:
- Character and Context Selection (15 minutes): Each student selects a character or creates an imagined person living in the post-Civil War era, considering their background, experiences, and challenges.
- Diary Entry Workshop (35 minutes): Students write diary entries that reflect their character’s perspective on a specific event or day, incorporating historical details and personal reflections.
- Diary Sharing Circle (30 minutes): In a round-robin format, students read their entries aloud, sharing insights into their character’s life and emotions, fostering empathy and historical understanding.
Activity 3: “Hattie’s Era” Collaborative Storyboard
Objective:
Students work together to create a storyboard that depicts a new adventure for Hattie, incorporating historical accuracy and elements from “Hattie’s War” to practice narrative development and visual storytelling.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
The storyboard should be set in the same historical period as “Hattie’s War,” allowing students to explore the social and cultural context of the post-Civil War era. Encourage them to weave in themes from the book, such as Hattie’s struggle with societal expectations and her journey towards self-discovery.
Procedure:
- Historical Context Recap: Begin with a brief discussion on the post-Civil War era, focusing on aspects relevant to Hattie’s life and aspirations.
- Storyboard Planning: In groups, students brainstorm and outline a short story involving Hattie or characters similar to her. Each group decides on key scenes that highlight their adventure, ensuring historical context and themes from “Hattie’s War” are integrated.
- Storyboard Creation: Using drawing materials or digital tools, students illustrate their story, adding brief text descriptions to each scene.
- Presentation and Discussion: Groups share their storyboards, explaining how they incorporated historical details and themes from “Hattie’s War.” Discuss the importance of visual elements in storytelling and how they enhance the narrative.
Activity 4: “Beyond the Book” – Alternate Ending Writing
Objective:
Students exercise creative writing skills by crafting an alternate ending for “Hattie’s War,” considering character growth, historical context, and thematic elements to explore narrative possibilities.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
This activity allows students to reimagine the conclusion of “Hattie’s War,” encouraging them to delve into the characters’ potential futures, the unresolved challenges they face, and how they might overcome them within the constraints and opportunities of their historical setting.
Procedure:
- Discussion on Narrative Structure: Briefly discuss the structure of “Hattie’s War,” focusing on its climax and resolution. Consider what themes and character arcs are resolved or left open.
- Writing Workshop: Students outline their ideas for an alternate ending, considering how different choices by the characters could lead to different outcomes.
- Alternate Ending Creation: Students write their alternate endings, ensuring they are grounded in the historical and thematic context of the novel.
- Sharing and Feedback: In small groups or as a class, students share their alternate endings, discussing how their creative choices reflect the characters’ growth and the historical era.
These activities directly engage with “Hattie’s War” by allowing students to explore and expand upon the novel’s themes, characters, and historical setting through interactive and creative exercises.
Activity 5: “Hattie’s Correspondence” – Creative Letter Writing
Objective:
To delve deeper into character development and historical context by writing letters from the perspective of “Hattie’s War” characters, focusing on their experiences, hopes, fears, and the world around them.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
This activity invites students to step into the shoes of Hattie or other characters, imagining the personal letters they might have written to friends, family, or acquaintances. Through this, students can explore the emotional landscapes of the characters and the historical nuances of their communications.
Procedure:
- Character and Audience Selection: Students choose a character from “Hattie’s War” and decide whom their character is writing to.
- Letter Writing: Using information from the novel and historical research, students compose letters that reflect their chosen character’s voice, circumstances, and the time period’s communication style.
- Letter Exchange and Analysis: Students exchange letters with a classmate and then discuss the insights gained into the characters and the era through this exercise.
- Class Discussion: Share observations on how the letters illuminated the characters’ inner worlds and the historical context.
Activity 6: “Mapping Hattie’s Emotional Journey”
Objective:
Students will create a visual map of Hattie’s emotional journey throughout “Hattie’s War,” identifying key moments of conflict, change, and resolution, to explore character development and narrative structure.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
This activity focuses on tracing Hattie’s personal growth against the backdrop of the novel’s historical setting, encouraging students to consider how external events and internal conflicts shape character arcs.
Procedure:
- Identifying Key Moments: Students identify pivotal moments in Hattie’s story that represent significant emotional shifts or developments.
- Creating the Map: Using a combination of drawings, quotes, and brief descriptions, students create a visual representation of Hattie’s emotional journey, marking the moments identified.
- Presentation and Discussion: Students present their maps, explaining how each moment contributes to Hattie’s character development and discussing the interplay between historical context and personal growth.
Activity 7: “Hattie’s Historical Headlines”
Objective:
To connect students with the historical context of “Hattie’s War” by creating newspaper headlines that could have appeared during the novel’s setting, blending historical facts with the narrative elements of the story.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
Students will research actual events from the post-Civil War era and imagine how these events would be reported in a newspaper of Hattie’s time. They can also create headlines for events within the novel, offering a creative perspective on how Hattie’s personal story intersects with broader historical narratives.
Procedure:
- Historical Research: Assign students to research key events from the late 1870s, focusing on issues related to the novel’s themes, such as post-war reconstruction, women’s roles in society, and advancements in art and communication.
- Headline Creation: Students write newspaper headlines that reflect their research, capturing the essence of the era and how specific events might relate to the characters in “Hattie’s War.”
- Presentation and Discussion: Each student presents their headlines, explaining the historical significance and how they connect to the novel. Discuss the importance of understanding historical context when reading historical fiction.
Activity 8: “Character’s Future Diary”
Objective:
Students will write diary entries from the perspective of “Hattie’s War” characters, imagining their lives years after the novel’s conclusion, to explore character development and historical progression.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
Encourage students to consider how the characters might have evolved after the end of the novel, taking into account the historical changes of the late 19th century and how these might affect their aspirations, relationships, and societal roles.
Procedure:
- Character and Future Setting Analysis: Students select a character from the novel and research potential historical developments that would impact their chosen character in the years following the novel’s conclusion.
- Diary Entry Writing: Based on their analysis, students write diary entries from their character’s future perspective, reflecting on past events from the novel, current circumstances, and hopes for the future.
- Sharing and Reflective Discussion: Students share their diary entries, followed by a class discussion on the potential futures of these characters and how historical events shape individual lives and societal roles over time.
Activity 9: The Power of Art and Creativity
Objective:
Students will analyze how Hattie uses art as a coping mechanism and explore the role of creativity in emotional well-being.
Materials:
– Selected passages from “Hattie’s War” where Hattie engages in art
– Art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, etc.)
– Examples of art as therapy from historical and contemporary perspectives
Procedure:
- Discussion (15 minutes): Begin with a discussion on the passages where Hattie uses art to cope with her challenges. Explore how creativity serves as a form of expression and healing.
- Art Creation (30 minutes): Students create their own pieces of art inspired by Hattie’s journey or their personal experiences, using the discussion as a springboard.
- Gallery Walk (10 minutes): Arrange a gallery walk where students display their artwork and share the inspiration behind their creations.
- Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes): Wrap up with a reflection on how the process of creating art can offer insight into one’s feelings and experiences, similar to Hattie’s experience.
Activity 10: Mental Health Then and Now
Objective:
To explore the representation of mental health in “Hattie’s War,” comparing historical perspectives with contemporary understanding.
Materials:
– Excerpts from “Hattie’s War” depicting Hattie’s mental health struggles
– Articles on 19th-century views of mental health
– Modern resources on mental health awareness
Procedure:
- Reading and Discussion (20 minutes): Start with reading selected excerpts from “Hattie’s War.” Host a guided discussion on Hattie’s experiences and how they might be understood within her historical context.
- Research Activity (20 minutes): Students research 19th-century mental health treatments and compare them to modern approaches, focusing on changes in perception and treatment.
- Group Presentation (15 minutes): Each group presents a brief overview of their findings, highlighting differences and similarities between then and now.
- Reflection (5 minutes): Conclude with a reflective discussion on the importance of mental health awareness and how historical fiction can highlight changes in societal understanding.
Activity 11: “The World Through Hattie’s Eyes” – Perspective Writing
Objective:
To deepen narrative understanding and empathy by writing short stories or journal entries from the perspective of different characters in “Hattie’s War,” exploring their viewpoints and emotional responses to the novel’s events.
Relating to “Hattie’s War”:
This activity encourages students to step into the shoes of Hattie or other characters, considering how they might perceive the events of the novel differently based on their backgrounds, desires, and societal roles.
Procedure:
- Character Perspective Analysis: Discuss the main characters in “Hattie’s War,” focusing on their roles, motivations, and relationships. Students select a character whose perspective they wish to explore.
- Perspective Writing: Students write short stories, diary entries, or journal entries from their chosen character’s viewpoint, recounting events from the novel or imagining new scenarios that could fit within the story’s world.
- Sharing and Discussion: In a class sharing session, students read their pieces, followed by a discussion on how exploring different perspectives enhances understanding of the novel’s themes and characters’ experiences.
These activities create a multidimensional exploration of “Hattie’s War,” allowing students to engage creatively with the text, deepen their understanding of its historical context, and develop empathy for its characters through diverse narrative techniques.
Wrap-Up
Conclude the unit with a reflection session, allowing students to share their insights and how their perceptions may have changed regarding history, mental health, and the importance of challenging societal norms. Encourage them to draw parallels between Hattie’s struggles and the issues faced by young people today.