the overview:
Some may interpret Gregor Samsa's shocking and sudden transformation into a giant insect symbolic of the way he felt in reality: trapped by a monotonous and mundane existence; victimized by a selfish, blood-sucking family; dehumanized; unable to enjoy simple pleasures in life such as human contact, daily meals, and sleep/relaxation. Others may find Gregor's life too closely connected to Kafka -- the author -- to differentiate between author and protagonist. Like Samsa, Kafka suffered from an incurable illness (tuberculosis); he struggled in his relationships with women; he felt most disrespected and unappreciated by his overbearing and abusive father. Rich with symbolism -- one can simply not label "The Metamorphosis" as a "story about a guy who turns into a bug." Such would be dishonoring the story and Kafka.
the assignment:
In one class period, you will have the opportunity to brainstorm and select a symbol you believe could represent a big idea in today's culture. It could be significant to the world, at large, or your own personal life. Examples might include: increasing violence in society; threat of terrorism; how peer pressure affects behavior. Example: A student carrying around a heavy backpack might symbolize the threat of terrorism -- the student representing people in the United States or people in the world and the backpack representing the heavy burden of having to worry about a random act of terrorism happening anywhere, at any time. Note that this example is symbolic in nature -- a symbol means something other than its literal meaning. In other words, if you choose "increasing violence in video games" as your topic, I would not recommend using an XBox 360` or Wii as your symbol because these are not symbolic.
Tailor your response into at least two paragraphs: (1) explain the use of symbols in "The Metamorphosis" (including at least one example) and (2) describe your symbol and what it represents. You are not limited to two paragraphs; you may write more than two as long as they link together and still follow the criteria already established. The paragraphs should total between 200-300 words. To give you an idea of that length, this and the previous paragraph total 234 words.
You may use your "Metamorphosis" book, any notes contained within it, the dictionary, and/or the thesaurus. Spelling and grammar will count. Avoid 1st and 2nd person. Monitor your writing for fragments and run-ons. Voice/tone should be appropriate for a formal writing assignment.
You may be graded one of two ways for this assignment, depending on your focus.
- If you choose to focus on writing, only, note that you will be graded according to the ISTEP writing rubric. A score of 50 will double to equal 100 points for this assignment.
- If you choose to focus on writing and illustration, your grade will be split. You will still be graded according to the ISTEP writing rubric. A score of 50 will apply 1.5 times to equal 75 points. The remaining 25 points will be for an illustration.
- Essays turned in without an illustration will automatically be graded according to the 'focus on writing' point system.
extra help:You have one class period to complete this project; the deadline
will not be extended as people retaking the test will also have no additional time past the bell. I would recommend taking a scrap sheet of paper and gathering ideas
before beginning your writing. If you have a question, please ask; I cannot provide assistance if you do not ask. However, do not whine and tell me you do not know what to write about. Consider previous writing assignments: what is the best way to organize an essay? I would strongly recommend using the following guideline to keep focused until the bell. Note: included in the guideline is a proofreading / editing segment. Grammar and spelling will count. Use the dictionary, if necessary.
5-10 minutes -- planning / pre-writing
20-25 minutes -- writing
5 minutes -- illustration
5-10 minutes -- proofreading / editing
the values:75 points, using the ISTEP rubric = writing
25 points, illustration
OR 100 points, using the ISTEP rubric = writing
objectives:Students will reflect on the use of symbols in literature.
Students will select a symbol to represent an important issue.
Students will write a description of the symbol's meaning.
Indiana State Standards met by this project:10.1.2, 10.1.4, 10.3.7, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.4.1, 10.4.13, 10.4.5, 10.4.8, 10.4.10, 10.4.11, 10.5.2, 10.5.7, 10.5.8, 10.6.1, 10.6.2, 10.6.3
resources:Assignment Discovery Lesson Plan -- Great Books: Kafka's Metamorphosis
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/kafka/
