Multi-Genre Project

Multi = Many
Genre = Category/Style of Writing

Create
4 written products
to explore 1 theme
in To Kill a Mockingbird.

4 written products

4 different genres

1 theme

Theme

A central idea or abstract concept that is made concrete through representation in person, action, and image.

Think of theme as a universal truth about life/humanity/
existence.

No proper theme is simply a subject or an activity.

A theme is a complete thought.

NOT A THEME:
Jealousy

THEME:
Jealousy can lead individuals to hurt the ones they love.

NOT A THEME:
Love

THEME:
Love can provide relief in tragic times.

Sometimes the theme is directly stated in the work, and sometimes it is revealed indirectly.

There may be more than one theme in a given work.

We will break down this project into small steps.

There will be several checkpoints/deadlines between now and January.

In January, you will present your multi-genre project to the class.

Discovering and Drafting a Theme

1. Start by brainstorming the novel's "big ideas."

Example big ideas: love, childhood, family

2. Choose a big idea that intrigues you.

Example: I am intrigued by the big idea of EMPATHY/
COMPASSION in TKAM.

3. Ask questions about how the big idea appears in the novel.

Example: Where does empathy appear in the novel?

Which characters demonstrate empathy?

Which characters do not demonstrate empathy?

How do child characters develop empathy for others?

Do some of the adult characters also develop empathy?

What is the role of empathy? What can it do or not do?

What does the novel teach the reader about empathy?

4. Look for textual evidence that might help to answer your questions.

Example: Characters like Atticus, Miss Maudie, Calpurnia, Dolphus Raymond, and Tom Robinson encourage empathy in the children.

I could look back at scenes with those characters to examine the idea of empathy.

5. Figure out what thematic statement is being made about the big idea.

Example Thematic Statement about Empathy

In her 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates the theme that children learn to empathize by interacting with people of different upbringings and perspectives.

ONE theme
explored in FOUR
different written products

See exam description for written product options and grading criteria.

Getting Started

Draft a Theme

• Brainstorm big ideas.
• Choose one big idea.
• Ask questions about it.
• List textual evidence that might help to answer your questions.
• Draft a thematic statement.