Activity Overview
At the back of this example of a graphic novel, White Bird, author R.J. Palacio includes many different terms, people, places, and events related to the Holocaust that helped inspire the story. Previewing these can help students better understand the story and learn about the time period.
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terms and allusions related to White Bird. Since they can overlap, teachers may want to use this template specifically for vocabulary, or just for allusions, as this example displays.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from White Bird
- Anti-Semitism
- The Beast of Gevaudan
- Concentration Camps
- Deportations / Roundups in France
- The Diary of Anne Frank
- The French Resistance
- Gendarmes
- Grandmère
- The Holocaust
- The Jewish Resistance
- Le Chambon-sur-Lignon
- The Maquis
- The Milice
- Muriel Rukeyser
- "Never Again" and #We Remember
- Persecution of Persons with Disabilities
- Polio
- Reverend Andre Trocmé, Daniel Trocmé, and the Ecole Nouvelle Cévenole
- Yad Vashem
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 illustrates your understanding of key terms and allusions (people, places, events) in the story White Bird.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How To Analyze Different Allusions Present in White Bird
Introduce Allusions
Introduce the concept of allusions to the students and help them understand how allusions are used in different contexts. Teachers can also give simple examples from different stories that students are familiar with. Before giving the example ensure that the students are clear on the historical context of the allusion.
Identify Allusions
Help the students identify different types of allusions present in White Bird. Some common examples are “The Diary of Anne Frank” as Sara’s character and story were inspired by Anne Frank who was a young girl trying to escape from the Nazis, and “The Holocaust” as the entire story is based on the events of the holocaust where the Jews were condemned to torture and killing.
Explain Historical Context
For each allusion identified by the students, provide historical context so the students can understand on a deeper level why this particular allusion was used in the story. Being aware of the historical context will also help them identify more allusions and enhance their overall understanding of the concept.
Examine Themes, Motifs, and Symbolism
Consider how the references fit with the graphic novel's larger themes and patterns. Are there any messages or concepts that they reaffirm? Students can also discuss how the allusions are conveyed with the help of themes and symbolism present in the story.
Reflect and Analyze
Encourage the students to reflect on all the concepts they have learned so far and make connections with other literary concepts. Students can also carry out some interactive and engaging activities to make the lectures more interesting and promote critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identifying Allusions in White Bird
What kinds of allusions can the students expect to encounter in "White Bird"?
In "White Bird," there may be literary allusions (references to other books or tales), historical allusions (references to people, places, or things from history), and cultural allusions (references to works of art, music, religion, or customs). Some common examples of these allusions are “The Diary of Anne Frank”, “The Holocaust”, “Concentration Camps”, and the different uprisings against this cruelty and torture.
Are there any themes or motifs that keep coming up in relation to the book's allusions?
Yes, there may be references in "White Bird" to concepts like perseverance, bravery, identity, and the effects of war. They could also be used to emphasize the characters' resiliency in the face of difficulty. These themes and motifs effectively portray the allusions such as Sara’s bravery and courage communicate Anne’s resilience and struggles in the time of difficulties.
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