Task, Part One:
The task for this assignment is for students to create a graphic novel that can be presented by using PowerPoint. Just like a graphic novel, the PowerPoint presentation will include a visual image with text in each panel, presented in a sequential pattern. The graphic novel PowerPoint will consist of two parts. The first part will educate the audience on the components of a graphic novel and provide a persuasive argument for using this genre in high school literature classes. The second component of your graphic novel PowerPoint will examine how characters in the novel are affected by the holocaust or their relationship with the other characters in the novel and provide a psychological analysis. Students will concentrate on symbolism, imagery and allegory used in the novel and each character’s human condition. From the character's perspective, how they are affected by the ongoing family trauma that precipitates from Vladek’s experiences as a survivor of Auschwitz?
Definitions:
Symbolism: The practice of representing things by symbols, or, of investing things with a symbols meaning, or character of symbols. The use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.
Imagery: The formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively. Pictorial images, as in works of art. Images have power—they can trigger memories or symbolize abstract ideas. Students put the power of images to the test as they analyze symbolism.
Allegory: The use of characters or events to represent ideas or principles. A representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another. A symbolical narrative.
The task for this assignment is for students to create a graphic novel that can be presented by using PowerPoint. Just like a graphic novel, the PowerPoint presentation will include a visual image with text in each panel, presented in a sequential pattern. The graphic novel PowerPoint will consist of two parts. The first part will educate the audience on the components of a graphic novel and provide a persuasive argument for using this genre in high school literature classes. The second component of your graphic novel PowerPoint will examine how characters in the novel are affected by the holocaust or their relationship with the other characters in the novel and provide a psychological analysis. Students will concentrate on symbolism, imagery and allegory used in the novel and each character’s human condition. From the character's perspective, how they are affected by the ongoing family trauma that precipitates from Vladek’s experiences as a survivor of Auschwitz?
Definitions:
Symbolism: The practice of representing things by symbols, or, of investing things with a symbols meaning, or character of symbols. The use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.
Imagery: The formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively. Pictorial images, as in works of art. Images have power—they can trigger memories or symbolize abstract ideas. Students put the power of images to the test as they analyze symbolism.
Allegory: The use of characters or events to represent ideas or principles. A representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another. A symbolical narrative.
![Picture](/uploads/6/3/8/5/6385153/published/maus1.gif?250)
Part Two:
You may still work together on part two but remember each student is responsible for a character and three to five graphic novel style PowerPoint slides explaining some aspect of their characters human condition (effects of the holocaust, relationship to other characters, or personal struggles). Each student will read and explain the slides they produced when the presentation is given.
When we read a novel we often become sympathetic toward one or more characters in the novel. Conversely we may also come to dislike a character in a novel. Each student in the group will choose a character and use PowerPoint frames to explain how their life and their relationship with the other characters are affected by Vladek’s holocaust experience. Essentially you will empathetically try to relate to one of the characters human condition. How would you feel if you were Artie or Vladek? Imagine that you are a psychologist whom is presenting a psychological analysis about the character you have chosen. In Maus all the characters are not only struggling with understanding their own lives they are also struggling with their relationships with other characters in the novel. Try to imagine and understand what the character is struggling with emotionally and the reasons that may have led them to this condition. For instance Vladek and Mala have a dysfunctional (husband and wife) relationship, Artie not only struggles with his relationship with his father he is also emotionally unsettled about his mother’s suicide. Use the following websites to gain insight into the character you have chosen. More than one student may choose the same character, but keep in mind if two students in the group choose Artie they must focus on different aspects of that character. For instance one student could focus on Artie’s relationship with Vladek and another student in the group could focus on Artie’s emotional struggles involving his Mother’s suicide. Use the websites provided and the novel itself to research psychological aspects of the character you have chosen.
You may still work together on part two but remember each student is responsible for a character and three to five graphic novel style PowerPoint slides explaining some aspect of their characters human condition (effects of the holocaust, relationship to other characters, or personal struggles). Each student will read and explain the slides they produced when the presentation is given.
When we read a novel we often become sympathetic toward one or more characters in the novel. Conversely we may also come to dislike a character in a novel. Each student in the group will choose a character and use PowerPoint frames to explain how their life and their relationship with the other characters are affected by Vladek’s holocaust experience. Essentially you will empathetically try to relate to one of the characters human condition. How would you feel if you were Artie or Vladek? Imagine that you are a psychologist whom is presenting a psychological analysis about the character you have chosen. In Maus all the characters are not only struggling with understanding their own lives they are also struggling with their relationships with other characters in the novel. Try to imagine and understand what the character is struggling with emotionally and the reasons that may have led them to this condition. For instance Vladek and Mala have a dysfunctional (husband and wife) relationship, Artie not only struggles with his relationship with his father he is also emotionally unsettled about his mother’s suicide. Use the following websites to gain insight into the character you have chosen. More than one student may choose the same character, but keep in mind if two students in the group choose Artie they must focus on different aspects of that character. For instance one student could focus on Artie’s relationship with Vladek and another student in the group could focus on Artie’s emotional struggles involving his Mother’s suicide. Use the websites provided and the novel itself to research psychological aspects of the character you have chosen.