The setting of a story is the location and time, or the where and when. Settings often play a crucial role almost as if they are another character in the book, as is the case in the book Al Capone Does My Shirts where the island of Alcatraz and the time period of the Great Depression all have tremendous impact on the characters. In this activity, students will map the different settings in the book in a storyboard and include illustrations and descriptions.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard identifying the different settings in the book Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Student Instructions:
Guide students to explore how the setting shapes the events and decisions in the story. Prompt discussion with specific questions, such as, “How might the characters act differently if they lived somewhere else or in a different time?” This encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Invite students to relate the book’s setting to their own experiences. Ask: “How does where you live affect your daily life?” Drawing parallels can make the story more meaningful and help students empathize with the characters.
Divide students into small groups and challenge them to imagine the story in a different location or era. Encourage creativity and ask them to discuss how these changes would impact the plot and characters’ actions.
Have each group present their alternate settings and the resulting changes to the story. Lead a whole-class discussion to compare ideas and highlight how setting is essential to the narrative.
The main settings in Al Capone Does My Shirts are Alcatraz Island during the Great Depression. The story unfolds across locations like the prison, family apartments, and surrounding San Francisco, all of which shape the characters' experiences.
The unique setting of Alcatraz Island during the 1930s impacts the characters by creating challenges and shaping their relationships. Living near a prison brings tension and curiosity, while the era's hardships influence their actions and growth.
Students can map the settings by creating a storyboard that illustrates key locations from the book. Each cell should include a scene, relevant items, and a brief description explaining the importance of that setting to the story.
Alcatraz Island is seen as an important 'character' because its isolated and strict environment deeply affects the story. The island’s rules, routines, and community shape the daily lives and decisions of the main characters.
A setting map activity involves students identifying and illustrating the various locations in the novel. They use visuals and descriptions to show how each setting contributes to the plot and character development.