"The Godfather" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle

With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Godfather” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.

By engaging with these materials, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
• Demonstrate understanding of the narrative’s surreal tone, identifying several pieces of textual evidence that advances the tone
• Explore character motivations, whether explicitly stated in the text or implied through character actions
• Analyze character interactions to discern intent
• Analyze textual details to draw inferences and support rational arguments
• Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, articulating how the title is ironic
• Explore cause-and-effect relationships
• Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning