ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY
FINN
THEME PROJECT IDEAS
This project should be well-planned and well-executed. Keep
the focus on your theme. I am looking for a very classy end-product.
Please choose wisely.
It is due on Tuesday, March 4. If you have a creative
idea for the exploration of your theme that is not listed below,
see me about it.
Each of these projects must be accompanied by a one-page,
double-spaced reflection on your own learning process throughout
the project.
A SONG
Write a song that explores and explains your selected theme
from the story. Use the style and language of the book to help
you set the mood and tone of your song.
After you have written your song, design a poster or sheet music
cover for the song to display in your classroom. Actually singing
and/or recording the song is required.
Here are some ideas you might want to consider as you begin your
composition:
Is the book written in a particular dialect that sounds like
jazz, rock and roll, or country?
Who will sing your song (the author, a reader, a main character,
or a minor character on the sidelines)?
Will you compose your song to the rhythm and melody of a song
you know well, or create your own original piece? Either is acceptable,
but the lyrics must be your own.
What musical genre will you select (e.g., ballad, rock and roll,
rap, pop, jazz, classical, country and western)?
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AN ESSAY
Write a theme analysis essay, citing passages and evidence
from throughout the range of the novel to support your own good
thesis. In other words, write an essay that shows how your theme
operates throughout the book. Cite specific passages to support
your thesis. Standard MLA form is required.
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A THEMATIC BOX (Huck's memory box?)
Your grand finale for our study of Huckleberry Finn will be
to create your own Huck Finn theme-box. The contents and design
of this box will focus on your developed theme from the book.
Here's how to do it:
Get an old (or new, if you prefer) box of some kind. The size
is also up to you.
Use permanent ink markers, paper, cloth, wood, paints (but no
oil paint), glue (the sky's the limit here, folks).
Cover the box with favorite lines from Huckleberry Finn that
relate to your theme; also include designs. You can also add
sayings from Mark Twain (relevant to your theme even if they're
not in the novel). No part of the box should have any BLANK SPACE
once it is completed.
What can go into the box: whatever fits (both the box and your
theme): physical objects (related to or symbolic of the theme)
and verbal relics (letters, posters, tickets, newspaper clippings).
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A CD CASE
Design a CD cover and liner notes that implement your theme
from the novel. You will be judged according to artistic ability
and layout.
Come up with at least six original song titles that demonstrate
aspects of the theme in the book. You will need to WRITE LYRICS
for one of the songs to appear on the liner notes.
Choose at least four existing songs that fit the theme of your
album. You will include the lyrics for these songs as well on
the liner notes.
Examine several sets of liner notes as you prepare this project.
I will be looking for: a discussion of each of the songs (yes,
I know that you will have written only one, but imagine what
the others might be like and describe or comment on each), acknowledgments,
instrumentation, songwriters, recording date and location, etc.
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A BOOK JACKET
Same as the cd case; design a book cover that emphasizes your
theme from the novel. To begin, study the design of several actual
book covers; notice how each of the various parts is treated.
On the FRONT COVER you need to create a strong graphic image
that expresses some aspect of your theme. You need to include
Huck and Jim; the other two will be your choice. Draw the characters.
Tell me what each character's main role was, his/her importance
in the novel, what he/she contributed, his/her personality, etc.
On the SPINE you need to include not only the book's title but
also the publisher's name and logo (an image related to the theme?).
On the FRONT INSIDE FLAP you should provide an introduction to
the novel that emphasizes how your theme is a major feature of
the story.
On the BACK INSIDE FLAP you should introduce the author (this
should include a picture of Twain) with some biographical information
that highlights his attitudes regarding your theme (maybe you
can find a non-novel statement from Twain on your theme).
On the BACK COVER you should present some real or imagined blurbs
from the reviewers and critics.
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A CHART
Create a chart/poster/visual display that presents to viewers
your understandings of how your theme is used in the book.
Examples should range from throughout the book. Use exact
quotations, summary statements, illustrations, maps, or other
graphic devices to communicate your understanding. Create a visually
interesting, intellectually satisfying, comprehensible display.
Design mini-posters/layouts on ordinary paper before transferring
to large poster.
As an example, consider these types of questions. If your
theme is "Conscience": How will you visually present
your understanding of Huck's struggle with his conscience? What
are the key scenes? What are the conflicts? What
are the one, two, or three main things we should know
about Huck and his conscience? What images does Huck himself
use to talk about his conscience?
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A CYBER-PROJECT
Construct a website or blog that a significant character might
design. This should reflect in many ways your understandings
about your assigned theme. See me to discuss the possibilities.
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WARNING TO ALL: If you will be preparing a project that may
be viewed or heard by the public (any displayable items), please
do not use quotations that contain the offensive n-word.
Many of these ideas appear through the courtesy of Mr. Del
Hughes, Paradise High School, -----------, Ca. All have been
adapted by Br. Tom
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