Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
The Graveyard Book is the story of a boy growing into a man. It spans most of Bod's childhood and ends when he is old enough to start out on his own. The book traces his growth as it depicts snippets of his life as a toddler, a child, and a teenager. Bod makes mistakes, learns from them, and grows up to be a wise and brave young man.
The Jacks try to kill Bod and his family due to a prophecy. When circumstances shape Bod's life to align with the prophecy, it seems that Bod's fate may be controlled by forces beyond his control. In the barrow, however, he discovers that fighting the Jacks will be based on his own choice about his identity, not some uncontrollable fate.
Although Silas and Mr. and Mrs. Owens play the most direct role in raising Bod, the entire graveyard helps in many ways. They all vote in the initial decision to take in Bod. As time goes on, different ghosts provide advice and companionship. In the final showdown against the Jacks, the various inhabitants of the graveyard all play a role in supporting Bod.
The gate marks the boundary of Bod's existence for most of his childhood. It is a sign both of security and of limitation. The locked gate protects Bod from the dangers of the world. At the same time, however, it also confines him to the graveyard and prevents him from fully enjoying the experiences of the living. The graveyard is like the protective home of childhood, and passing through the gate at the end is symbolic of Bod's maturity and independence.
The Lady on the Grey represents death. The suggestion that all humans will eventually "ride her horse" indicates that she represents a kind of spiritual travel from the land of the living to the land of the dead. Her influence over the ghosts in their decision to take in Bod also reflects her power over the dead.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Graveyard Book. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Engage students in a group discussion using their storyboards as visual prompts. This helps students articulate their understanding and encourages peer learning.
Invite students to present their storyboards and describe the themes they've identified. Encouraging sharing builds confidence and deepens comprehension as students hear diverse perspectives.
Pose questions like, 'Why do you think this theme is important in Bod's journey?' or 'How do the symbols connect to the story’s message?' Open-ended questions foster critical thinking and richer discussion.
Challenge students to relate the themes or symbols to their own lives or current events. This makes literature more meaningful and helps personalize learning.
Wrap up the discussion by highlighting main points from various students. Recognize unique viewpoints and reinforce that literature can be interpreted in multiple ways.
The Graveyard Book explores themes such as growing up, free will vs. fate, and the importance of community. These themes are woven throughout Bod's journey as he matures, makes choices, and learns from those around him.
Students can identify symbols and motifs by looking for recurring objects, characters, or events—like the graveyard gate or Lady on the Grey—and connecting them to larger ideas or themes in the story using examples from the text.
The graveyard gate symbolizes both protection and limitation for Bod. It keeps him safe inside the graveyard but also prevents him from experiencing the outside world, representing the boundaries of childhood and the step toward independence.
The best way is to use storyboards or creative visuals. Have students illustrate key scenes that show a theme, write short descriptions, and discuss how these moments connect to Bod's growth and the story’s deeper messages.
The Lady on the Grey represents death in the novel. She symbolizes the transition from life to death and holds authority over the graveyard, reminding readers of the natural cycle that all must eventually follow.