Analyzing Themes in Midnight Without a Moon

Activity Overview

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 the themes in Midnight Without a Moon.

Examples of Themes in Midnight Without a Moon

Racism

Rose, her family, and the black people in her town and all of Mississippi are victims of horrible racism and mistreatment.

Injustice

Throughout the novel, Rose thinks about the injustice that is all around her.

Family

Although oftentimes they don’t get along, Rose’s family is important to her, and the lack of love from her mother is a constant struggle throughout the story.

Courage

Rose shows courage throughout the story. Her Aunt Belle and Monty are courageous enough to join the NAACP and stand up for justice. Levi was courageous when he registered to vote, even though it was a decision that cost him his life.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Due Date:

Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Midnight Without a Moon. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify the themes from Midnight Without a Moon you wish to include and write them in the headings.
Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Write a short description of each of the examples.
Save and exit when you're done.

Requirements:

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
[ELA-Literacy/RL/7/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text
[ELA-Literacy/RL/8/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text

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Rubric

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Themes

Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in the story. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description that explains the example's significance.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Identify Theme(s)	All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story.	Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story.	No themes are correctly identified.
Examples	All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant.	Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant.	Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear.
Depiction	Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding.	Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand.	Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes.