Activity Overview
Novels and poetry often have a variety of symbols and motifs throughout that students can identify and analyze. Symbolism is when an object or situation is more than it appears on the surface. The author is using it to represent something deeper and more meaningful. Motifs are a technique employed by the author whereby they repeat a certain element more than once throughout the course of the story. This element has symbolic significance and is meant to draw the reader's attention and illuminate a deeper meaning to the story as it is repeated. Any literary elements can be conveyed through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination.
In this activity, students will identify symbols and motifs in Long Way Down and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found! Teachers may ask students to illustrate multiple examples of a single theme, symbol, or motif, or illustrate one example for each.
Examples of Symbols and Motifs in Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
- The Rules
- The L Button
- The Elevator
- The Middle Drawer
- Shawn's Gun
- Cigarettes
- Smoke
- The Ghosts
- Dani's Flower Dress
- The Nighttime
- Mom's Eczema
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring symbols or motifs found in the story. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from the story that you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How To Analyze the Symbols and Motifs Present in “Long Way Down”
Explain Motifs and Symbols
Start by defining symbols, which are things, people, or aspects that stand in for greater meanings. Likewise, motifs are recurrent themes or concepts that add to the story's overall meaning. Teachers can help students understand these abstract concepts in a better way by using familiar and simple examples. Give students some time to practice these concepts independently so the application process becomes easier.
Determine Important Symbols and Motifs
Help the students to identify specific symbols and motifs present throughout the narrative. For instance, students can examine the elevator's symbolism, which acts as a focal point. Talk about how it symbolizes the emotional prison and the process of self-discovery. Similarly, students can identify other symbols and motifs in the story and present a brief analysis of each idea.
Analyze Visual Representations
Give symbols from the book visual representations, like pictures of an elevator or a set of guidelines. Students should evaluate the visual components and share their interpretations with the class. As an activity, students can also create these visuals by themselves and include their analysis of the symbols as well as the motifs.
Examine the Historical Background
Examine the cultural or historical background of particular themes or symbols. Ask the students to reflect on questions such as “What experiences or customs from the actual world might the author be referencing?” Students can also research the author’s background to find out his inspiration for writing the story and including particular symbols and motifs in the story.
Engage in Discussions
Encourage students to participate in interactive discussions by asking them to interpret symbols and motifs. Urge them to push the boundaries of their own comprehension and build on each other's ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Symbols and Motifs in “Long Way Down”
What role does the elevator have in "Long Way Down"?
In the book, the elevator is a potent symbol that stands in for the restricted area of feelings, self-discovery, and Will's journey as he struggles with loss, retaliation, and the cycle of violence. It can also be viewed as a symbol of impending doom that Will can encounter if he tries to fulfill his plan.
Is the night sky a symbolic element present in the story?
Yes, the night sky is a recurring motif which is a representation of both the potential for change and the grandeur of the world. It stands for the wider viewpoint that characters might acquire by viewing things in a broader context.
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