12.04 - Motif in The Road

We started today's class by looking at the definition of "motif" (see below) and then people brainstormed motifs that have appeared so far in The Road.

Motif: An object or idea that is repeated throughout a literary work.

Motif's in The Road

the south

*the cart

*the pistol

(stillness)

fire

woods

shoes

*dreams

*food

tarp

(ashes)

*indicates a particularly significant motif

(indicates a motif that is not particularly significant)

We reviewed these motifs and talked about ones that were particularly strong. Everyone then had time to choose one of these motifs, find passages that mention the motif, and write a paragraph explaining the significance of the motif (using those passages as evidence). 

See the handout below for specific directions on this motif analysis.

Handouts:

Motifs in The Road

This analysis also serves as an initial look at strengths and areas for improvement in writers' use of transitions so everyone was encourage to be mindful of having their ideas and examples flow together as best they can.

Homework:

Complete your paragraph discussing the significance of the motif you were tracking in The Road.

Prepare for the set 8 roots and prefixes quiz tomorrow.

Revisions:

Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet for Episode 538: "Is This Working" of This American Life (due Fri, 12/12)

Why Should Someone Read Your Poem (POL Prompt) (due Fri. 12/12)