Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

What is the importance of maintaining appearances in Savannah’s society and outside of it? Identify what each of the Savannahian key figures do to maintain appearances. How does this relate to the overall theme of Appearances Versus Reality?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to recontextualize their responses from the Personal Connection Prompt in relation to key figures of the account. In Berendt’s text, Savannahians hold their public appearances in high regard, while simultaneously hiding their private lives, particularly as they relate to sexuality and sexual preferences. Figures who deviate from the “norm” of such social expectations are expected to do so quietly and without obstructing the general community; Berendt highlights this with Lady Chablis’s story, as well as Williams’s relationship with Danny. The dichotomous relationship of Appearances Versus Reality comes to a crux at Williams’s trial, where he reveals his relationship with Danny.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

PRESENTATION: “How ‘The Book’ Changed the Lives of Savannahians”

In this activity, students will research and present on how the publication of Berendt’s account changed the lives of one of the figures from the text.