Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the themes To Kill a Mockingbird uses to send a strong message to its readers. Have students track the four lessons Scout learns throughout the novel, then create a storyboard depicting and explaining each of them, or have them track one theme, symbol, or motif throughout.
- Put yourself in someone else's shoes to see life from their perspective.
- Don't kill mockingbirds, to kill a mockingbird is unfair because they are small and defenseless and don't bother anyone.
- Keep fighting, even if you know you are going to lose.
- The world is unfair.
Other TKAM Themes, Motifs, and Imagery to Look for and Discuss
Good vs. Evil
Through the eyes of the innocent children - Scout, Jem, and Dill - the world seems very clear. The further Atticus progresses into the trial of Tom Robinson, the more the children learn that not everything in life is fair, and sometimes evil prevails. This is the theme that ultimately leaves Jem disenchanted with the justice system and leaves Scout in disbelief; that people would convict a man based on their prejudicial beliefs, instead of the truth.
Having Morals
An important theme and lesson, found throughout the novel, is the necessity of morals. Morals are a person’s core beliefs, principles by which they live their life. Being morally educated is important because it helps us to be sympathetic and understand others.
Prejudice and Social Inequality
The people of Maycomb are so caught up in their ignorant beliefs that they convict a man because his is black, and not because he is guilty.
Birds and Mockingbirds
In the novel Scout, almost kills a mockingbird. This upsets Atticus who says that Mockingbirds are weak and defenseless creatures. These birds are meant to symbolize people in the world who are weak and defenseless and cannot help themselves. Moreover, it specifically eludes to Tom Robinson as a defenseless black man on trial for murder. Atticus teaches a moral lesson through this symbol: people should do everything they can to help those who are defenseless. This is why he defends Tom, even though he knows what the verdict will be.
Storyboard Example: The Theme of Good vs. Evil in To Kill a Mockingbird
Evil
After Tom Robinson is arrested, the town mobs the jail. They assume he is guilty, and want to take action, demonstrating their racism.
Good
When Miss. Maudie's house catches fire, the town rallies to help her, showing the good in people, and their willingness to help.
Good/Evil
Boo Radley is initially viewed by the children as a terrible person. They often taunted, and told stories about him. However, Boo proves to be good though his actions, helping Scout and Jem learn a lesson.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in To Kill a Mockingbird. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from To Kill a Mockingbird you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the themes To Kill a Mockingbird uses to send a strong message to its readers. Have students track the four lessons Scout learns throughout the novel, then create a storyboard depicting and explaining each of them, or have them track one theme, symbol, or motif throughout.
- Put yourself in someone else's shoes to see life from their perspective.
- Don't kill mockingbirds, to kill a mockingbird is unfair because they are small and defenseless and don't bother anyone.
- Keep fighting, even if you know you are going to lose.
- The world is unfair.
Other TKAM Themes, Motifs, and Imagery to Look for and Discuss
Good vs. Evil
Through the eyes of the innocent children - Scout, Jem, and Dill - the world seems very clear. The further Atticus progresses into the trial of Tom Robinson, the more the children learn that not everything in life is fair, and sometimes evil prevails. This is the theme that ultimately leaves Jem disenchanted with the justice system and leaves Scout in disbelief; that people would convict a man based on their prejudicial beliefs, instead of the truth.
Having Morals
An important theme and lesson, found throughout the novel, is the necessity of morals. Morals are a person’s core beliefs, principles by which they live their life. Being morally educated is important because it helps us to be sympathetic and understand others.
Prejudice and Social Inequality
The people of Maycomb are so caught up in their ignorant beliefs that they convict a man because his is black, and not because he is guilty.
Birds and Mockingbirds
In the novel Scout, almost kills a mockingbird. This upsets Atticus who says that Mockingbirds are weak and defenseless creatures. These birds are meant to symbolize people in the world who are weak and defenseless and cannot help themselves. Moreover, it specifically eludes to Tom Robinson as a defenseless black man on trial for murder. Atticus teaches a moral lesson through this symbol: people should do everything they can to help those who are defenseless. This is why he defends Tom, even though he knows what the verdict will be.
Storyboard Example: The Theme of Good vs. Evil in To Kill a Mockingbird
Evil
After Tom Robinson is arrested, the town mobs the jail. They assume he is guilty, and want to take action, demonstrating their racism.
Good
When Miss. Maudie's house catches fire, the town rallies to help her, showing the good in people, and their willingness to help.
Good/Evil
Boo Radley is initially viewed by the children as a terrible person. They often taunted, and told stories about him. However, Boo proves to be good though his actions, helping Scout and Jem learn a lesson.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in To Kill a Mockingbird. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from To Kill a Mockingbird you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Choose Accurate Depictions For Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in the Story
Identify Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Teachers should provide brief introductions of themes, symbols, and motifs and give some examples from other famous stories. Then ask the students to list down the themes, symbols, and motifs in To Kill a Mockingbird according to their understanding.
Choose Visuals Carefully
Students should carefully investigate which visuals perfectly suit the context and utilize them. Visuals can change perspectives and give a completely different meaning to an event.
Analyse Context and Subcontext
Understanding the historical, cultural, and societal context in which the narrative was written will help you analyze context and subtext. Think about how these elements affect the motifs, symbols, and themes. Analyze the inferred meanings contained in the subtext as well.
Conduct Research on Literary Criticism
Read the story's literary critiques or critical studies. These can shed light on numerous ways that the themes, symbols, and motifs have been interpreted and give different types of analysis.
Consider Different Viewpoints
Recognize that many readers may interpret themes, symbols, and motifs in various ways. Accept different points of view while choosing and describing these components.
Discuss the Author's Intent
Ask yourself why the author chose specific themes, symbols, and motifs. Consider how the author's decisions affect the story's impact and the lessons they want the readers to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in To Kill a Mockingbird
Which topics are recurring in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?
Racial injustice, moral development, societal inequity, the loss of innocence, empathy, and the coexistence of good and evil are among the major topics.
What is the significance of the mockingbird in the story?
Mockingbirds stand for purity and innocence. Characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are used to illustrate the idea that injuring innocent people is a serious injustice. It also creates a pattern for the characters to understand the significance of moral injustice and the importance of moral education in society.
How do the Cunninghams and the Ewells add to the thematic investigation?
The Ewells are a prime example of what happens when prejudice and ignorance are fostered. The complexity of poverty, ethics, and societal expectations is contrasted by The Cunninghams.
How does the connection between the Finch family and Boo Radley relate to the themes of the book?
Boo Radley's changing image reflects both the loss of innocence and the expansion of knowledge. Boo is initially feared and misunderstood, but at the end of the novel, he represents warmth and empathy.
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