Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the themes To Kill a Mockingbird uses to send a strong message to its readers. Have students track the four lessons Scout learns throughout the novel, then create a storyboard depicting and explaining each of them, or have them track one theme, symbol, or motif throughout.
Through the eyes of the innocent children - Scout, Jem, and Dill - the world seems very clear. The further Atticus progresses into the trial of Tom Robinson, the more the children learn that not everything in life is fair, and sometimes evil prevails. This is the theme that ultimately leaves Jem disenchanted with the justice system and leaves Scout in disbelief; that people would convict a man based on their prejudicial beliefs, instead of the truth.
An important theme and lesson, found throughout the novel, is the necessity of morals. Morals are a person’s core beliefs, principles by which they live their life. Being morally educated is important because it helps us to be sympathetic and understand others.
The people of Maycomb are so caught up in their ignorant beliefs that they convict a man because his is black, and not because he is guilty.
In the novel Scout, almost kills a mockingbird. This upsets Atticus who says that Mockingbirds are weak and defenseless creatures. These birds are meant to symbolize people in the world who are weak and defenseless and cannot help themselves. Moreover, it specifically eludes to Tom Robinson as a defenseless black man on trial for murder. Atticus teaches a moral lesson through this symbol: people should do everything they can to help those who are defenseless. This is why he defends Tom, even though he knows what the verdict will be.
After Tom Robinson is arrested, the town mobs the jail. They assume he is guilty, and want to take action, demonstrating their racism.
When Miss. Maudie's house catches fire, the town rallies to help her, showing the good in people, and their willingness to help.
Boo Radley is initially viewed by the children as a terrible person. They often taunted, and told stories about him. However, Boo proves to be good though his actions, helping Scout and Jem learn a lesson.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in To Kill a Mockingbird. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Teachers should provide brief introductions of themes, symbols, and motifs and give some examples from other famous stories. Then ask the students to list down the themes, symbols, and motifs in To Kill a Mockingbird according to their understanding.
Students should carefully investigate which visuals perfectly suit the context and utilize them. Visuals can change perspectives and give a completely different meaning to an event.
Understanding the historical, cultural, and societal context in which the narrative was written will help you analyze context and subtext. Think about how these elements affect the motifs, symbols, and themes. Analyze the inferred meanings contained in the subtext as well.
Read the story's literary critiques or critical studies. These can shed light on numerous ways that the themes, symbols, and motifs have been interpreted and give different types of analysis.
Recognize that many readers may interpret themes, symbols, and motifs in various ways. Accept different points of view while choosing and describing these components.
Ask yourself why the author chose specific themes, symbols, and motifs. Consider how the author's decisions affect the story's impact and the lessons they want the readers to learn.
Racial injustice, moral development, societal inequity, the loss of innocence, empathy, and the coexistence of good and evil are among the major topics.
Mockingbirds stand for purity and innocence. Characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are used to illustrate the idea that injuring innocent people is a serious injustice. It also creates a pattern for the characters to understand the significance of moral injustice and the importance of moral education in society.
The Ewells are a prime example of what happens when prejudice and ignorance are fostered. The complexity of poverty, ethics, and societal expectations is contrasted by The Cunninghams.
Boo Radley's changing image reflects both the loss of innocence and the expansion of knowledge. Boo is initially feared and misunderstood, but at the end of the novel, he represents warmth and empathy.