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.
(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:
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.