Member-only story

Journey Through Faith and Reason: Exploring the Depths of "The Seven Storey Mountain" for Captivating Lesson Plans

Harold Blair

·14.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Lesson Plans The Seven Storey Mountain

6 min read · 3 weeks before

87 View Claps

16 Respond

Save

Listen

Lesson Plans The Seven Storey Mountain

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	402 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Thomas Merton's "The Seven Storey Mountain" is a literary and spiritual masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. Its powerful narrative traces Merton's journey from a young man grappling with doubt and disillusionment to his profound conversion to Catholicism. This introspective and deeply personal autobiography offers a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and insights that can ignite thought-provoking discussions and inspire students to explore the complexities of faith, reason, and personal growth.

Comprehensive Lesson Plans:

To help educators navigate the depths of "The Seven Storey Mountain," we present a series of comprehensive lesson plans that delve into the novel's key themes, characters, and literary devices.

1. The Search for Truth and Meaning:

Trace Merton's intellectual and spiritual journey, examining his early skepticism and search for fulfillment.
Discuss the role of reason and faith in Merton's quest for truth and purpose.
Analyze the concept of vocation and Merton's eventual decision to become a monk.

2. Character Analysis: Thomas Merton as a Complex Individual:

Explore Merton's multifaceted personality, his strengths, weaknesses, and struggles.
Analyze Merton's relationships with family, friends, and mentors, and their impact on his development.
Discuss the role of personal experience and self-reflection in Merton's journey of self-discovery.

3. Faith and Reason: A Dynamic Interplay:

Examine the tension and interplay between faith and reason in Merton's life.
Analyze key passages in the novel that illustrate the ways in which faith and reason can both support and challenge each other.
Discuss the significance of Merton's emphasis on the importance of both intellectual inquiry and spiritual experience.

4. The Power of Symbolism: Exploring Hidden Meanings:

Identify key symbols in the novel and analyze their significance in conveying Merton's themes.
Explore the symbolism of the mountain, the monastery, and the seven storeys as representations of Merton's spiritual journey.
Discuss the use of nature and imagery to enrich the novel's themes and create a vivid reading experience.

5. Literary Devices: Enhancing the Narrative:

Analyze the use of literary devices such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and imagery in the novel.
Discuss the impact of Merton's writing style on the reader's experience.
Explore the ways in which Merton's use of language reflects the evolution of his own faith and understanding.

Insightful Discussion Points:

Alongside the lesson plans, we offer a series of insightful discussion points to ignite thought-provoking conversations in the classroom:

What are the key factors that shape Merton's spiritual and intellectual journey?
How does Merton's experience as a writer and poet influence his perspective on faith and reason?
What are the challenges and rewards of monastic life as described by Merton?
In what ways does "The Seven Storey Mountain" challenge traditional notions of faith and spirituality?
How does Merton's emphasis on interfaith dialogue and understanding resonate in contemporary society?

Compelling Activities: Bringing the Novel to Life:

To further enrich the learning experience, we suggest a range of compelling activities that bring the characters, themes, and literary devices of "The Seven Storey Mountain" to life:

Role-playing: Assign students roles of different characters from the novel and have them act out key scenes to deepen their understanding of their motivations and relationships.
Creative writing: Encourage students to write short stories or poems inspired by the themes and experiences explored in the novel.
Symbolism exploration: Have students create mood boards or visual representations that illustrate their interpretations of the novel's key symbols.
Comparative analysis: Compare and contrast "The Seven Storey Mountain" to other literary works that explore similar themes, such as "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse or "The Confessions" by St. Augustine.
Guest speaker: Invite a spiritual leader, scholar, or writer who is familiar with Merton's work to share their insights and engage with students.

Through these comprehensive lesson plans, insightful discussion points, and compelling activities, educators can provide their students with a transformative and unforgettable learning experience that delves into the profound themes and characters of Thomas Merton's "The Seven Storey Mountain." By exploring the intersections of faith, reason, and personal growth, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human condition and the enduring power of the search for truth and meaning.

Lesson Plans The Seven Storey Mountain

4.6 out of 5