Activity Overview
Novels and poetry often have a variety of themes throughout that students can identify and analyze. Any literary elements can be conveyed through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination. In this activity, students will identify themes in Long Way Down and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found! Teachers may ask students to illustrate multiple examples of a single theme, symbol, or motif, or illustrate one example for each.
Examples of Themes in Long Way Down
- Grief
- Cycle of Violence
- Gun culture
- Gang Violence
- Coming of Age
- Family
- Love
- Loyalty
- Revenge
- Toxic masculinity
- Conscience
- Truth
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies themes found in the story. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from the story that you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How To Facilitate a Discussion on the Themes Present in “Long Way Down”
Identify the Themes
Discuss the concept of themes and central ideas with students and ask them to identify the major themes present in “Long Way Down”. Teachers can give students some practice beforehand so they can identify themes more easily and are able to read between the lines if some ideas are not clearly mentioned in the text.
Discuss the “Rules”
Some important elements of the themes present in the story are supported by the rules that Will was taught by his older brother Shawn. These rules imply that people shouldn’t cry and snitch, and always take revenge on people who have hurt their family and friends. These rules create a foundation for the story and help in the development of many themes present in the story.
Talk About the Impacts of Violence
An important topic that teachers can discuss with students at this stage is the impact of violence. Teachers can first generally discuss all forms of violence and ask the students to share their opinions regarding violence and how it shapes society. In the context of the story, teachers can initiate discussion on gun violence and how it becomes a vicious cycle.
Encourage Different Viewpoints
Encourage the students to think about the novel from many angles. Ask the students to reflect on the interpretations people with different experiences or backgrounds make of the story. Teachers can start a discussion around the rules present in the story and ask the students their opinions regarding the rules and if they were justified considering the circumstances of the characters.
Conduct Comparative Analysis
Analyze "Long Way Down" by contrasting its themes with those found in other literary works, motion pictures, or actual occurrences. This comparative research can help the students interpret the story from a broader view and give them more layers for analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Themes in “Long Way Down”
How is the theme of grief and loss expressed in the story?
Grief and loss is portrayed as an experience deeply personal to the characters. The book explores the various ways in which characters deal with loss, providing a sophisticated analysis of the psychological fallout from tragic events. Students can analyze the impacts of grief on a person and how it can result in everlasting consequences.
In what ways does "Long Way Down" illustrate the vicious cycle of violence?
The idea that violence is cyclical is a recurrent theme that shows how violent tendencies can be passed down through the generations. The stories of the characters represent the cycle's wider effects. Students can reflect on the impacts and consequences of this violent cycle by analyzing the psychological state and actions of the characters.
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