ENG2D – Summative: Presentations

Dates: May 30, 31, June 2

Symbol: Inliterature,symbolismcan take many forms including: when an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning (e.g. the dove can symbolize peace); the actions of a character, words, actions, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story.

Motif (“mo-teef”): a noticeable element, such as a type of incident, object, person, reference, or symbol which occurs frequently in works of literature (e.g., in MacBeth: blood imagery, references to sleep, references to chaos/disorder repeatedly appear); a series of motifs point to a theme.

Theme: a general concept or doctrine whether implicit or asserted which an imaginative work is designed to incorporate and make persuasive to the reader; astatement about life that the writer intends to communicate through the literary piece.

Assignment:For your summative you will be researching the historical and cultural meaning of particular symbols, motifs, and concepts from Three Day Road. You will then be asked to explain how these symbols and motifs relate to the story and contribute to themes. In order to prepare for this project, it is important to record information, including significant passages and page numbers so that you can refer to these notes when completing your project.

Suggested Preparation:

  1. Research the historical and cultural meaning of your symbol. Take notes and know the material
  1. Read Three Day Road and note when your motif/symbol appears. I suggest using the chart below:

Symbol/Motif: blood

Quotation and page # / Significance (relationship to theme,
character development, conflict, tone, etc)
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No: this my hand will rather / The multitudinous sea incarnadine / Making the green one red” (2.2.63-66). / These lines show Macbeth’s guilt after killing king Duncan. He is saying he has so much blood on his hands that he cannot wash it off. Instead, his hands will make the ocean red.
  1. Finish reading novel and completing chart and start preparing for your presentation (see below)

Assignment Overview:

In groups you have been diligently tracking a motif throughout our study of Three Day Road. Now your task is to consolidate your understanding of that motif and share your insights and ideas with the class.

The function of a motif is generally to develop the theme of a novel. Remember that theme is basically the main idea of a piece of literature, sometimes referred to as the moral of the story. Each motif that occurs in the story helps to enrich a message. The purpose of the motif should be clear by the end of the novel.

After reviewing your motif tracking chart, your group task is to connect your motif to a larger idea or theme in the novel. This larger idea can be one of the themes that we have discussed in class or it can be a focus point that your group feels is relevant. Your motif will most likely connect to multiple themes so choose the one that you find most interesting.

Presentation Outline:

Begin your presentation with a discussion of the historical and cultural meaning the motif you have been tracking throughout. You may share any connotations, archetypes, or connections to a culture you have discovered.

Discuss your motif’s connection to a larger idea or theme in the text.

Each group member will present two key passages from the novel that best support and substantiate your claim about the motif’s connection to a larger idea. This quotation will be presented to the class using Power Point or Prezi. Be sure to include a page number for your quotation. Each group member will discuss with the class the significance of their two chosen quotations.

Present a photograph that you have taken that is a symbolic or connotative interpretation of the motif that you have tracked. Each group member will present their own image. This image should not be a literal interpretation. For example, if you have tracked hair as a motif, do not take a picture of hair. Rather, provide an image that you personally can connect to the motif based on your group’s discussion and the larger idea that you connected it to. Explain how the photo connects to your motif. INTERNET IMAGES WILL COUNT AS PLAGIARISM!!!!! COPY FROM YOUR SCHOOL MATES WILL COUNT AS PLAGIARISM!!! MARK = 0

LIST of MOTIFS, SYMBOLS, IDEAS:Windigo, #3, Lynx/trickster figure, Shaking Tent, Canoe/Boat, Birds/Whiskeyjack/Osprey, flight/flying, hair, horses, fire, Ross & Mauser riffles, morphine, Sweetgrass/tabacco, circle, seasons, Wawahtew (northern lights), Gitchi Manitou, hunting, sound references, Shaman/Priest/Hookimaw, bear, Virgin Mary, Moccassins, Moose/Moose hunting and hide, clothing, water, sweat lodge, nationalism and citizenship, language and words, blood

Name: ______Motif: ______

Criteria / Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 / Level 4 / Level 4++
Presentation Skills
/10
(e.g., organization, voice projection, pace, gestures, timing, eye contact, body language) / Little attention paid to oral communication techniques. / Applies oral communication techniques with moderate effectiveness / Applies oral communication techniques with considerable effectiveness / Applies oral communication techniques very effectively / Prodigious application of oral communication techniques
Analysis
/10 / Presents limited appropriate and relevant information / Presents some appropriate and relevant information / Presents considerable appropriate and relevant information / Presents considerable and insightful appropriate and relevant information / Presents outstanding insight and relevant information
Photograph
/10 / Motif is reinterpreted with little depth. The image minimally enhances and expands the scope of themotif’s meaning. Leans towards a literal interpretation. Creation is basic and or confusing. Explanation needs substantial developing. / Motif is reinterpreted with some depth and is beginning to enhance and expand the scope of the motif’s meaning beyond the confines of the novel. Creation is straightforward but approaches figurative meaning. Explanation needs developing. / Motif is reinterpreted with good depth. Image enhances and expands the scope of the motif’s meaning beyond the confines of the novel. Image has artistic elements. Explanation is average. / Motif is reinterpreted artistically, with a high degree of depth and insight. Image enhances and expands the scope of the motif’s meaning beyond the confines of the novel. Image is extremely artistic. Explanation is good. / Motif reinterpretation is outstanding, shows exceptional depth and insight. Image shows a prodigious understanding of motif, imagery, and novel. Explanation of photo is stellar.

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