Key Motifs in "Ode on a Grecian Urn"

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Ode on a Grecian Urn




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Activity Overview

Themes, symbols, and motifs spring to life when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the poem, and support their choices with details from the text. For instance, in the classroom, your students can track Keats' use of a motif through the entire ode. Ask students to track a motif, come up with their own examples, and put them into a storyboard for further explanation.


Example Motif in "Ode on a Grecian Urn"

The Senses

Throughout the Ode, Keats specifically tries to invoke the senses through adjectives and descriptions. He repeatedly mentions music, conveying to the reader the sound of instruments or the singing of a song. Keats uses vivid imagery to depict two lovers touching for the first time. He appeals to sight with the mention of the beautiful women and art.



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Template and Class Instructions

(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 recurring themes in "Ode on a Grecian Urn". Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.


  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify the theme(s) from "Ode on a Grecian Urn" you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
  3. Create an image for the example(s) that represents this theme.
  4. Write a description of each of the examples.



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Ode on a Grecian Urn



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