The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? What are some mannerisms, thoughts, or feelings that may be associated with OCD?

Teaching Suggestion: Adam, the novel’s protagonist, has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Students may find it beneficial to explore aspects of the disorder to understand Adam’s and his therapy members’ compulsions in the novel. Because OCD is a disability, it may be beneficial for students to explore the sources and answer the questions as a written, independent activity to remain sensitive when discussing individual differences. Consider allowing students to review the neuroscience of obsessive-compulsive disorder as an overview of the disability before reading the article.

• This two-minute video provides an explanation of the neuroscience behind obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• This article from the National Institute of Mental Health describes the symptoms and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and identifies common triggers for the condition.

Short Activity

Explore the portrayal of heroism in media such as movies, TV shows, or news articles to create a list of characteristics that define a hero. Consider these questions in your exploration of the meaning of a hero: