A Monster Calls

Post date: Oct 31, 2016 5:35:55 PM

Directions: The two main story elements/devices we focused on during our novel study were theme and symbolism. You may complete one or both activities from the two options below for up to twenty points extra credit. Extra credit is completely optional but highly encouraged! Students are reminded to complete any make-up work, missing assignments, and current classwork BEFORE working on extra credit assignments. These Extra Credit assignments are due by Friday, November 11th (turn in by the 7th if you want it to count on your progress report!)

• • Theme: The monster in the novel uses stories to teach Conor things he needs to know but can’t accept (ex. “Your grandma’s not a despicable human being who’s trying to ruin your life.”) Stories are like that and so is life: sometimes we have to learn things the hard way or watch others learn them that way in order for them to stick. Imagine the monster is telling a story to another kid like Conor, but this time he is telling the kid about you and something you learned the hard way. Write the story as the monster would tell it, with you as the main character. What would he say and what would the theme be?

  • Symbolism: Conor’s monster takes the form of the Yew tree from his backyard – a healing tree, and a symbol of peace, life and longevity – because his mom is dying of cancer at such a young age. Design a color illustration of a monster that represents one of your real-world fears from our brainstorming activity. Write a paragraph to explain your design choices and what they represent about your fear. Please indicate on the back of your illustration whether I have your permission to display it on a bulletin board.