The setting in a story includes where and when the story takes place. There are usually several settings in a novel. In historical fiction novels such as Midnight Without a Moon, when the story takes place is extremely important, as it is centered around an important time in the past. This novel takes place in the deep South, during a time of segregation, racism, and the unfathomable mistreatment of African Americans. For this activity, students will describe and illustrate the where and when of Midnight Without a Moon.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that describes and illustrates the setting of Midnight Without a Moon. You must incorporate where and when in your storyboards.
Student Instructions:
Ask the students to read and analyze the story carefully and identify the locations and the time period mentioned in the story. Students can also analyze the settings particular to the characters such as the house Rose lived in or her dream of moving up North and how it was a better place as compared to Ma Pearl and Papa’s place.
Though “Midnight Without a Moon” is historical fiction, however, the setting and the time period presented in the narrative in close to accurate and present challenges faced by many people of that time. Students can give these settings some historical context and background with the help of research and reading more literature to understand the significance of these settings.
Talk about how the characters handle the difficulties the location presents. Teachers can focus on questions such as “When the characters are in the location, do they ever feel empowered or limited by it?” Help the students examine and analyze behavior patterns and the reactions of the characters to the settings.
Consider how the characters' development is influenced by their surroundings. Students can reflect on how the setting contributes to the character development and use references from the text to back their points.
Once the students are more familiar with the settings present in the story and have also performed their own research regarding the historical context and current significance of a particular location (not fictional), ask them to create a setting chart that includes creative visuals, some facts regarding the setting and other important details. Ensure that students perform this activity for a setting that has some historical significance and not a fictional setting like a character’s house.
The historical context of Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement introduces themes of racial segregation, inequality, and the fight for civil rights that pervade the lives of the individuals, greatly influencing the setting.
The characters' everyday problems are determined by the setting, which also has an impact on their relationships, careers, and personal goals. Their perceptions of the world around them are shaped by it.
The setting offers a rich backdrop for the deeper analysis of the story and acts as a potent lens through which themes of justice, resiliency, and identity are examined.