Symbols come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a symbol or motif from the novel and design an image or scene as illustration. Below the square, they should explain their scene’s significance. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Catherine’s caged birds. Other symbols and motifs include the following:
The caged birds in Catherine's room represent Catherine herself. Catherine's nickname "Birdy" or "Little Bird" emphasizes this connection. Like the birds, Catherine feels trapped, unable to escape the life that is forced upon her. At the end of the book, Birdy frees all her birds except the popinjay which cannot survive on its own. She recognizes that she is most like the popinjay; she needs her friends and family to survive and cannot simply run away from her life.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies and explains one symbol from the text.