Long Way Down Symbols and Motifs
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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
By Liane Hicks
Long Way Down is a highly acclaimed young adult novel that is poignantly written in vivid free verse. It is the powerful tale of a young man named Will Holloman faced with a life altering decision. Engage students with premade Storyboard That activities!
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Storyboard Description
Have students identify symbols and motifs in Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Storyboard Text
- L
- SMOKE
- THE ELEVATOR
- L
- THE NIGHTTIME
- The smoke is a powerful motif. Every time a new ghost appears, they end their conversation with Will by lighting up a cigarette. The cigarettes themselves may symbolize death, as they can kill, and “smoke” is slang for shooting someone. The smoke also symbolizes the confusion and uncertainty that Will feels that he is doing the right thing. As more and more ghosts join and share their stories, the cloudier the elevator and the shakier Will's resolve to follow through with his plan.
- The elevator is a compelling symbol. In one sense, as Will travels downward, it's as if he were traveling down to his potential doom. The tight, cramped space of the elevator is similar to a coffin, one that Will may end up in if he continues with his plan. Will and Shawn's joke about L for Loser also symbolizes how much Will can lose, like the Ghosts before him, if he goes through with his plan when he reaches the bottom.
- Nighttime is a recurring motif, symbolizing not just the darkness of day but also of one's mind and soul. A struggle exists between staying in the light by making positive decisions and going towards the darkness by making destructive ones. Will's mother cautioned Shawn as he went out at night with his friends. She used to say … just remember, when you're walking in the nighttime, make sure the nighttime ain't walking into you.
- Long Way DownSYMBOLS AND MOTIFS
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