This document provides instructions for a book report on one of four novels. Students must choose a novel, discuss their project idea, and select an oral, written, or visual presentation format. They are then directed to analyze elements of literary techniques like foreshadowing, figurative language, metaphor, and symbolism in their presentation. The document emphasizes being creative and outlines what should be included in each presentation type. Students have two weeks to complete their book report projects.
1. Book Report… yay!! By Richard Yoon austinevan. “stack of books.” August 24, 2007. Via flickr.com
2. Choose 1 of the 4 novels selected: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
3. After the reading is complete: Set up a meeting with me. Discuss what novel is being done. What kind of project is wanted (oral, visual, writing, etc.) Write and outline. BE CREATIVE!!!
4. Please choose 1 of the 3 methods: Oral Presentation: a three to five minute presentation. Written Presentation: a three to five page report. Visual Presentation: slides, collage, etc. Be lively, creative and witty.
5. After choosing your method: Distinguish elements of literary techniques. Elements of literary techniques would include: Foreshadowing Figurative language Metaphor Simile
6. Foreshadowing Future events in a story are suggested before they happen. Can take many forms and can be accomplished in many degrees of subtlety. Example: Willy’s concern for his car foreshadows his suicide. Literary devices. Jay Braiman. 2007
7. Figurative Language Any use of language where intended meaning differs from actual meaning. Techniques include: Hyperbole Simile Metaphor Personification Verbal irony Oxymoron Literary Devices. Jay Braiman. 2007.
8. Metaphor A direct relationship where one thing or idea substitutes for another. Example: “The rain came down in long knitting needles.” from Enid Bagnold, National Velvet. Literary Devices. Jay Braiman. 2007.
9. Simile An indirect relationship where an idea is described as being similar to another. usually, uses “like” or “as”. Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” – Forrest Gump. Literary Devices. Jay Braiman. 2007.
10. And after that… Choose three of the four elements of literary techniques to use. Then identify: Symbolism Irony Dramatic Irony Situational Irony Verbal Irony
11. Symbolism The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas. Frequent use of words, places, characters, or objects that mean something beyond what they are on a literal level. Web.cn.edu/kwheeler
12. Irony Where an event occurs which is unexpected. It is somehow in absurd or mocking opposition to what would be expected. Literary Devices. Jay Braiman. 2007.
13. Types of Irony Dramatic: audience is aware while characters are not. Situational: evens occur unexpectedly, absurd or mocking. Verbal: meaning is exact opposite of what words literally mean.
14. Presentation #1(oral presentation) Three to five minute presentation. Introduction Body paragraphs Conclusion In the body paragraph, describe the literary devices.
15. Presentation #2(written presentation) Type a three to five page paper. Write or type an outline beforehand. Cite the page numbers. Use at least three quotes from the novel.
16. Presentation #3(visual presentation) Use poster board to make a story board. Make a home video. Be creative!!! Use visually stimulating pieces with colors, sounds, and etc. Write a song or a poem. * Ask for approval beforehand for other options.
17. REMEMBER… BE CREATIVE!! ALL PROJECTS ARE DUE IN TWO WEEKS!! PRESENTATIONS WILL BE PRESENTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. HAVE FUN WITH THIS PROJECT
