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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in Elijah of Buxton (references to actual people, places, events, or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
In order to understand and analyze the allusions present in the story, it is necessary for students to read and examine the story carefully. Ask the students to highlight any important historical events present in the story they can recognize or generally note down events they think play a major role in the role and perform research on them later.
Ask the students to look for books, articles, and films on historical references by using the library's resources. Additionally, students can use other helpful materials such as digital materials from your local library or online. Teachers can also arrange film sessions in class where students can analyze a documentary or movie based on any event present in the story.
Examine the social, political, and economic aspects of the era to comprehend the allusions' historical context. The way historical events are presented in the novel must be understood in the context of this historical period. Each student can select one or two historical references present in the book and try to conduct research and understand the context of these references.
Set up writing assignments where students can synthesize and analyze their research results. Writings on essays, introspection, or made-up stories with a historical setting can fall under this category. These creative writing projects can help them enhance their skills.
Encourage the students to reflect on the insights and knowledge they have gained so far from the research and conduct discussions on different historical references present in the story. Ask the students to be respectful towards sensitive topics and try to empathize with the stories of different people who have suffered throughout history.
Allusions give people more depth by placing them in larger literary, historical, or cultural settings. For instance, students can compare Elijah’s character with historical figures who have played a significant role during this time period and have somewhat similar characteristics.
"Elijah of Buxton" has allusions that enhance the reader's immersion by tying the story to actual historical occurrences. They improve the portrayal of the setting and period in which the tale takes place by acting as windows into the past. Students can reflect on Curtis’ other books and stories to understand more about the allusions and historical contexts used in his texts.