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
Encourage students to explore symbolism through structured class debates. Debates help students articulate their interpretations and learn from others' perspectives.
Have each student select a symbol from the novel and build a case for why it is important. This fosters deeper thinking and ownership of ideas.
Divide students into groups and assign each team a symbol. This encourages collaboration and a diversity of viewpoints.
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion and allocate specific time for arguments and rebuttals. Structure ensures every voice is heard.
Ask students to summarize what they learned about symbolism and others’ interpretations. Reflection helps solidify understanding and critical thinking skills.
The Symbol Square activity for Moon Over Manifest asks students to identify symbols or motifs in the novel and use a storyboard to illustrate and explain their significance, helping deepen understanding of key themes.
To teach symbolism in Moon Over Manifest, have students choose a symbol, research its meaning, and visually represent it using a storyboard. Encourage them to explain how the symbol connects to characters or themes in the story.
Important symbols and motifs in Moon Over Manifest include Gideon’s compass, the Wiggle King fishing lure, silver dollar, nesting doll, jump rope, Miss Sadie’s leg wound, and the victory vs. friendship quilts. Key motifs include stories, digging and planting, and healing.
Students create a storyboard by selecting a symbol from the novel, describing what it represents, and illustrating it with scenes or characters, then explaining its importance to the storyline or character development.
Gideon's compass symbolizes Abilene’s connection to her father and her sense of home. For Gideon, it represents Ned’s death and his own lost direction, highlighting themes of loss and belonging in the novel.