Time-Lapse Video of a Trans Woman...

by Joshua Jennifer Espinosa

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Only Remaining Option

Step 1

Start by reading “Time-Lapse Video of a Trans Woman Collapsing Inward Like a Dying Star” by Joshua Jennifer Espinosa. Make sure you go over the introduction & overview in the slides before they begin.

Step 2

Have your students think of a time when they’ve felt similarly to that of the speaker, when they’ve felt like their only “remaining option is to scream out the pain, loneliness, and desperation.”

Step 3

Say, “Think of that time of desperation once more. Then create a table that has three columns. Your first column should consist of only verbs, your second one of only nouns, and the third one of only adjectives. Then, in each of those columns, come up with as many words that best convey the ways you were feeling in that moment.” Then give them 5-10 minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Have your students write a poem like Joshua Jennifer Espinosa’s in which they articulate how it feels like when their “remaining option is to scream out the pain, loneliness, and desperation.”

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Diction

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “diction,” go through the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Show your students the following video to give them a bit of first-hand insight of what life may look like for a trans woman.

Step 3

Read “Time-Lapse Video of a Trans Woman Collapsing Inward Like a Dying Star” by Joshua Jennifer Espinoza. Then briefly have your students discuss the parallels in feelings between the subject of the video and the speaker of the poem.

Step 4

Have your students open the following document and go over the directions with them. In this assignment, they are going to have to find specific words (3 adjectives, 2 nouns, & 1 verb) that all contribute to the poet’s message.

Step 5

Give your students time to work on the assignment. Your students may work in groups if they wish.

Step 6

Go over the responses with your students. If time permits, share the exemplar essay.

Lesson Details

Lesson Info

Focus

  • Diction

Themes

  • Body / Body Image
  • Death / Grief
  • Food / Hunger
  • Gender / Gender Identity / Gender Expression / Sexism
  • Health / Health Care / Illness
  • LGBTQA
  • Love
  • Mental Health
  • Philosophy

Literary Tags

  • Diction
  • Figurative Language
  • Imagery
  • Selection of Detail
  • Tone