Moon Over Manifest contains a number of symbols - some which Abilene must work out and others that the reader must interpret. Students will enjoy identifying symbols by using a storyboard to depict them and explain their significance. For a quick assignment, have students identify a single symbol and explain what it represents. For a more in-depth activity, ask students to present multiple symbols or motifs with their storyboards. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Gideon’s compass. Other possible symbols and motifs include the following:
Gideon's compass is Abilene's most treasured possession. To her, it represents a sense of home and a connection to her father. Even though it's broken, she imagines that its chain stretches all the way from her pocket to Gideon's. To Gideon, the broken compass represents Ned's death and Gideon's own brokenness. When Ned died, Gideon lost direction in life. He left Manifest and had no real home for the next 19 years.
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Student Instructions