Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin-CSI Activity

This is one of my favorite lessons. After reading the short story, "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, the students are always perplexed by the ending. What just happened? How did she die? These questions quickly float around the classroom. Place students in groups and tell them that today's class will be an interpretation contest-CSI style. The winner must prove that Mrs. Mallard died due to psychological trauma, physical causes, or a little of both. Evidence will be gathered from the story itself and from the painting (put on SmartBoard or overhead)Woman with a Black Tie by Amadeo Modigliani. Give students one class period to work on their proposals and another class to present and vote on a winner. A slide of notes about Kate Chopin is included, as well as a copy of the story.