Say What?! Help Characters Go Viral With Classroom Quote Analysis

Social media is powerful. It ignites global conversations and thrusts individuals into the spotlight. Cancel culture and overnight fame are due, in large part, to social media’s strength. Any statement or action can, fortunately or unfortunately, lead to unintended consequences.

Like it or not, cancel culture and viral fame are here to stay. So, why not embrace this fascinating phenomenon in classrooms? Teachers can harness the power of social media by analyzing quotes from literature, speeches, and other sources. As a result, students gain a deeper understanding of

• character motivations,
• themes, and
• author intent.

Here are 3 quote analysis activities to help high school students understand the power of language and communicate responsibly.

3 Ways To Use Quote Analysis And Social Media In The Classroom

#1 Analyze a Controversial or Compelling Quote

Students select a quote from an in-common text that is particularly controversial or compelling. This could be a line spoken by a contentious character or a statement that challenges societal norms. Have students pick their own quotes, conduct a classroom vote, or pre-select one ahead of time.

To further scaffold this activity, allow students to work in small groups ad assign each student a specific task. This is very similar to the roles in a literature circle. Use this free viral reading lesson to guide student thinking. In a group of 3–5 students, each person can:

• ask questions,
• record responses,
• create visual representations, and
• find text evidence to support the analysis.

After discussing the quote, students analyze it and write an essay or create a presentation as a group. Some example questions to include:

• What does this quote reveal about the characters or their motivations?
• How does this quote relate to the larger themes of the novel or play?
• What societal norms or conventions does this quote challenge?
• Why is this quote considered controversial?
• If spoken today, how would the public react and why?

#2 Avoid Getting Canceled. Become The Villain’s PR Rep.

Cancel culture is prevalent in our world. People are quick to judge and condemn others for their words and actions. Begin the activity by presenting a real-world example of someone who was “canceled” due to a controversial statement or action. Students then analyze the situation. They discuss what led to the individual’s cancellation and the impact it had on their reputation and career. Analyze together the steps and strategies the person used, like:

• public apology,
• commitment to education and advocacy, and
• partnerships to prove their genuine commitment to change.

Afterward, students assume the role of the “villain’s PR rep.” It’s not their job to develop a strategy to revive the character’s image. They’ll select a quote from a novel or play that if spoken today, might be damaging to a character’s reputation. This could be a statement made by the character themselves or something that is said about them. Some examples might include:

• “We accept the love we think we deserve” — Bill to Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
• “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” — The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
• “This was an evil beyond thinking. The killing of a man was not so evil as the killing of a boat. For a boat does not have sons, and a boat cannot die.” — Kino in The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Students need to think about how they can spin the quote in a positive way or the steps the character needs to win back positive public opinion. They might consider:

• The intended audience for the quote and complete an interview on a popular media outlet
• The tone and context of the quote and submit a formal, engaging apology

Students create their plans and present them to the class. This activity encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. At the same time, students develop skills in persuasive writing and public speaking. And, they connect with the text as they apply it to the current social climate.

Invite the whole class to determine whether the character deserves a second chance based on their classmate’s revival plan. This feedback will help their peers to revise and re-strategize their PR plan for final submission.

#3 Create a Content Plan for a Viral-Worthy Quote

Social media has great potential to create positive change through strategic communication. For this activity, students choose a compelling quote and then analyze why it resonates with the audience. Then, they’ll develop a social media campaign that leverages the popularity of the quote to raise awareness of a particular issue or cause.

Start by completing this activity as a whole class. Find a quote about mental health (or another topic that your students care about) in a text that could go viral. Then have students develop a social media campaign that

1. raises awareness of mental health issues, and
2. encourages viewers to seek help if needed.

They’ll need to include hashtags, infographics, and links to credible resources for mental health support. Demonstrate how to compile the content into one strategic campaign that the brand/publisher/author would use to promote the content to the intended audience.

Next, students will select their own viral-worthy quote from a novel or play. This could be a statement that’s funny, inspiring, or relatable. Students then create a content plan on behalf of the character to leverage their newfound fame. Their task is to come up with ideas for how the character can capitalize on the popularity of the quote, being particularly mindful of the intended audience.

Encourage students to think about the types of content that would resonate with the quote’s intended audience. They can create:

• Social media posts and videos
• Public appearances
• Merchandise
• Products
• Memes

After finalizing their content plan, students present it to the class. Encourage feedback about the audience. Did the message and content reach who it was intended to reach? Will that audience connect with the content? Give opportunities to tweak strategy and content based on feedback.

With this project, students showcase their creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. It also helps students develop an understanding of marketing and advertising.

Final Thoughts

Quote analysis helps students understand the role language plays in today’s digital age. By combining social media with quote analysis, they develop strategies for responsible communication. As a result, students are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern communication. They can use language to create positive change in their communities.

Incorporating quote analysis into your classroom helps students develop critical thinking skills. Try out these lesson ideas and see which ones resonate with your students. You never know — you might inspire the next great creator, publicist, or marketer!

Glose for Education is an online platform that makes reading a social experience. Readers learn from one another by creating shared spaces to interact with digital texts. To learn more about how Glose for Education can support your instruction, click here. And, download this free lesson plan to make reading go viral in your classroom.