Love in the Time of Cholera

The distinction between social classes is a very important factor throughout the novel. How does social class impact relationships in the novel? What are some of the obstacles facing relationships that exist between people from different social classes? How does the novel demonstrate ways these obstacles can be overcome?

Teaching Suggestion: A discussion of social class in Latin American and Colombian history could help students better understand the context for this discussion prompt. Students also might consider the way one’s social class during this historical period would have been impacted by factors such as education, illegitimate birth, or wealth. Students can trace the development of The Impact of Class on Love Relationships as a theme as they point out examples over the course of the novel.

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners, students with dyslexia, and those with attentional or executive function differences might benefit from strategies for finding text evidence. These students might use supplied excerpts of the text to pinpoint the most relevant examples; allowing students additional time to gather evidence might be helpful as well.

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.