Caleb's Crossing

Throughout the novel, the characters of Bethia and Caleb must navigate significant gender and racial disparities (Bethia because she is a woman, Caleb because he is Indigenous). How does being part of a marginalized group shape the characters of Bethia and Caleb? What are some similarities in their struggles? What are some differences? How does the author convey some traits indirectly, and does this subtlety impact the reader’s experience understanding these characters’ choices and actions?

Teaching Suggestion: Students can use this discussion to explore some of the central racial and gender conflicts of the novel in the context of the colonial period. It may be beneficial to highlight the ways in which colonial people thought about race and gender and encourage students to reflect on how the characters of Bethia and Caleb either accept or subvert these cultural definitions. For the purpose of efficient gathering of text evidence, groups of 3 might work together to collect details and quotations, with each group member responsible for one of the three parts of the novel, to share in preparation for discussion or a written response.

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners, students with dyslexia, and those with attentional or executive function learning differences might benefit from a pinpointed selection of the most relevant sections of text.