Student Activity 3
Introduction
Each culture has a universe of symbols through which its members understand themselves and one another. We use these symbols to elaborate our mental world and to communicate with one another. The olive branch and white dove of peace, the serpent of life and healing, are examples of such symbols.
In literature symbols help writers get across multiple meanings. They add depth to the story. Being able to perceive symbols, their meaning, and purpose in a literary work enhances its understanding and enjoyment.
Animals constantly surface in The Pigman. Two animals we read about a lot are the pig and the baboon. What do these animals represent? What does their destruction mean to Mr. Pignati? For Lorraine?
With your teacher, please review your school's acceptable use policy for work on the Internet. Also, links to the web often change. Tell your teacher when you find a poor link in this guide.
The Task
You will be writing an interpretive essay on symbolism in the story.
John and Lorraine accompany Mr. Pignati to the Staten Island Zoo. This is where he shows them his best friend, Bobo, the baboon. Look at slides of baboons and ceramic pigs, similar to the ones Mr. Pignatti may have had.
The Process: Exploring the Web, Creating a Product
- After reading The Pigman, write an essay about one of the symbols in the story. Describe the intent of the author to use pigs or baboons as symbols.
- Construct a thesis statement that makes the main claim you are making about the symbolism. Such as: The ceramic pigs represent the lack of change in Pignati's life.
- Tell how the symbol contributes to the story.
- Support your interpretation with reasons and evidence from the work
- Your purpose is to persuade your readers that your interpretation is reasonable and insightful
How You Will Be Graded
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Criteria |
2 |
4 | 6 |
8 |
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Clear thesis state |
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Convincing reasons to support the thesis |
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Evidence from the story that supports thesis |
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Explanation of how the symbol contributes to the story |
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Spelling and punctuation is accurate |
Map Activity
- web tour
activity - Essay
Activity - Postcard
Activity- Compare
Contrast Activity Book
Review