Parent Guide > Spunk
Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.
This week in class, we’re reading "Spunk" by Zora Neale Hurston.
In this short story, a man seeks revenge when he loses his wife to another. Written during the Harlem Renaissance, "Spunk" offers an exploration of African American culture and features the use of a distinctive southern dialect.
As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Fate & Free Will, Fear & Paranoia, Gender Roles, and Honor & Courage as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :
"How does fear drive action?", "How do we define the roles of men and women?", "What does it mean to be brave?", and "Can we control our fate?"
Ways to support your child:
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Ask your child about this short story at home:
- What was "Spunk" about?
- What did you learn about Fate & Free Will?
- What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
- What did you learn about Gender Roles?
- What did you learn about Honor & Courage?
- Watch the following clips with your child at home: