White Bird is filled with themes, symbolism, and motifs, all of which are helpful for students to analyze to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols, or motifs found in White Bird. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
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Give the Holocaust some historical background to start. Describe how six million Jews, along with millions of other people, were systematically persecuted and killed by the Nazis throughout World War II. Explain the role of prejudice in these killings and how it is one of the most significant and sorrowful events in history.
Give examples of where the graphic novel depicts the Holocaust and racism. Scenes of prejudice, persecution, or other types of abuse may be included. Students can highlight these specific events in the novel so they can use this information later for critical analysis or discussion.
Encourage the students to think about the impact racism has on not just Sara but also the other characters in the narrative. Discuss how their behavior and viewpoints are affected by fear, hatred, and prejudice. Students can also reflect on how prejudice played an important role in real-life events and ruined the lives of many innocent people.
Help the students recognize other themes present in the story and make a connection with the Holocaust and prejudice. Students can analyze how these themes impact each other and play an important role in the development of the narrative.
Ask the students to make theme charts for all the themes present in the story. Students can include the context, impact on characters, development, and comparison with real events in these theme charts. This will help the students get a holistic view of the themes and understand their interconnectedness and contribution to the story.
The Holocaust, prejudice, resiliency, courage, identity, compassion, and the persuasiveness of narrative are among the major themes of "White Bird." These ideas play an important role in conveying to the readers the challenges people had to face during that time and how history should not be ignored.
Since "White Bird" focuses on the experiences of Sara, a Jewish girl, at this terrible time in history, the Holocaust is a major topic. It explores the difficulties she endures, the threats she meets, and her battle for survival. The story also wants to relay this event to young readers and help them understand the feelings of the people who suffered.
The white bird is a representation of liberation, optimism, and the potential for a brighter future. It stands for fortitude and the inborn human drive to triumph over challenges. The white bird is especially significant for Sara as it represented her past before she was trapped while trying to escape from the Nazis.