Lesson Objectives
- Analyze the themes of family, culture, and socio-economic mobility in Hillbilly Elegy.
- Examine J.D. Vance’s political evolution and its impact on perceptions of his memoir and its film adaptation.
- Critically engage with media and discuss how personal narratives influence public opinion and political discourse.
- Develop analytical and creative skills through discussions, debates, and reflective writing activities.
Introduction
Class Discussion
- Introduce Hillbilly Elegy as a memoir reflecting on Appalachian life and its cultural and economic challenges. ( The Appalachian region, stretching from Pennsylvania to Mississippi, is known for its rugged terrain, which has historically contributed to its isolation from the rest of the United States)
- Highlight its initial reception in 2016 as a significant commentary on white working-class struggles in the U.S., particularly during the 2016 presidential election.
- Discuss J.D. Vance’s evolution from author to political figure, culminating in his role as Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election. npr
Ron Howard, the director of Hillbilly Elegy, has expressed surprise and concern about J.D. Vance’s political trajectory, especially given his shift from a vocal critic of Donald Trump to a prominent figure in Trump’s political sphere. In interviews, Howard discussed his initial experience working with Vance on adapting the memoir into the 2020 film and his dismay at the rhetoric coming from Vance’s campaign as he moved closer to Trump’s policies. Despite this, Howard urges voters to engage thoughtfully in the political process, stressing the importance of listening to what candidates are saying today, rather than focusing on past statements or affiliations. AOL
Essential Questions:
- How do personal narratives shape public perceptions of cultural and political issues?
- In what ways can an author’s political trajectory influence interpretations of their work?
Materials
- Selected chapters from Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance.
- 2020 Netflix adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy (directed by Ron Howard).
- Current articles discussing Vance’s political career and its effect on the memoir and film’s reception. Time.
Core Activities
1. Contextual Exploration
Mini Lecture
- Provide an overview of Vance’s upbringing in Appalachia and how his experiences influenced his perspective on social mobility and cultural identity.
- Highlight key events in Vance’s political journey, including his early criticism of Donald Trump and subsequent alignment with Trump’s MAGA agenda.
2. Critical Reading and Discussion
Small Group Discussions
- Assign groups to read selected chapters and analyze:
- The influence of Vance’s grandmother (Mamaw) on his life.
- Economic challenges and their portrayal in the Rust Belt.
- Vance’s critiques of welfare dependency and social capital.
Guiding Questions:
- How does Vance’s portrayal of Appalachian culture shape the reader’s understanding of his community?
- What tensions arise between his critiques of dependency and his political alliances?
3. Film Analysis
Film Viewing and Discussion
- Watch key scenes from the Hillbilly Elegy film adaptation.
- Compare the narrative tone, depth of characters, and themes between the book and the film.
Discussion Questions:
- How do casting choices and performances by Glenn Close and Amy Adams affect the portrayal of key characters?
- Does the film perpetuate stereotypes about poverty, or does it humanize its subjects?
- How do adaptations inherently change the narrative of a story?
4. Media Analysis
Activity
- Provide recent articles and interviews about J.D. Vance’s political career.
- Students analyze how media coverage of his vice presidential candidacy influences public perception of his memoir and film.
Guiding Question:
- How does Vance’s shift in political alignment affect the authenticity of his memoir’s message?
5. Debates and Creative Engagement
Class Debate
Topic: Does J.D. Vance’s political evolution undermine the credibility of his memoir?
- Divide students into teams to argue for or against the motion.
- Encourage use of textual evidence from the memoir, critiques of the film, and insights from recent articles.
Creative Writing Activity
- Students write a short essay reflecting on how their family or cultural background has shaped their worldview.
Assessment Options
Essay Prompts:
- Analyze how Hillbilly Elegy addresses class, culture, and politics in America, considering both the book and its reception over time.
- Compare and contrast the portrayal of Appalachian culture in the memoir and film adaptation.
- Discuss how J.D. Vance’s journey challenges or reinforces the concept of the American Dream.
Character Profiles
- Students create detailed profiles of key figures in Hillbilly Elegy (e.g., Mamaw, Vance’s mother), focusing on their influence on Vance’s development.
Reflection and Closure
Wrap-Up Discussion
- Reflect on how individual narratives intersect with larger socio-political themes.
- Discuss the role of memoirs and films in shaping societal discourse on class and culture.
Homework:
- Research another cultural narrative (book or film) that addresses issues of class or socio-economic mobility. Prepare a brief summary to share with the class.
