The
Pigman's Legacy
by Paul Zindel
Introduction
Every person has something they pass on to others after they are gone. These legacies could be material goods, money or they could be symbolic.
In the story symbols help the author 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.
Symbols constantly surface in The Pigman's Legacy. What symbols do you find in the book and what do you think they stand for? What does their loss mean to John and 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 The Colonel to Atlantic City. This is where he wins and looses but shows John and Lorraine what is truly important. Look at pictures of a blackjack table and places similar to the ones John and Lorraine may have seen.
The Process: Exploring the Web, Creating a Product
- After reading The Pigman's Legacy, write an essay about what was important in the story. Describe the intent of the author to use the Colonel and Dolly as symbols.
- Construct a thesis statement that makes the main claim you are making about the symbolism.
- 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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Clear thesis state 5pts possible |
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Convincing reasons to support the thesis 5pts possible |
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Evidence from the story that supports thesis 5pts possible |
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Explanation of how the symbol contributes to the story 5pts possible |
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Spelling and punctuation is accurate 5pts possible |
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Rewrite until all criteria is met.
