Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea

A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate two of the themes in Beyond the Bright Sea. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.

Examples of Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea

Identity

The novel centers around Crow’s desire to find out about her past and who she really is. Not knowing about her parents keeps Crow from really knowing herself.

Family

Crow is being raised by Osh, who isn’t her biological father; the two of them have a powerful connection. Miss Maggie, also not blood related, is also like family to Crow. Crow also feels a powerful connection to her biological parents and brother, even though she has never met them.

Fear

There are many examples of fear throughout the story. One example is because Crow is from Penikese, the island of the lepers, people of Cuttyhunk think she has the disease and will not go near her. They fear her, and will not let go of their fear even though it is obvious that Crow does not have leprosy.

Love

When everyone else around her will not go near Crow, Osh and Miss Maggie are not afraid of her and love her very much. They all have a special bond even though they are not blood related.

Due Date:

Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Beyond the Bright Sea. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify the themes from Beyond the Bright Sea you wish to include and write them in the headings.
3. Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
4. Write a short description of each of the examples.
5. Save and exit when you're done.