Apples to Oranges, Literature to Film: Using Film to Write a Comparison/Contrast Paper

Objectives:

• To identify connections between similar stories: plot, characters, symbolism, tone, etc.



• To identify differences between similar stories: plot, characters, symbolism, tone, etc.



• To identify the hero archetype in similar stories.



• To analyze the choices made by the authors in presenting their heroes.



• To write a comparison/contrast essay using block format.

Materials Needed:

• "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst



• "The Mighty" on film (based on Freak the Mighty by W. Rodman Philbrick)



• 2 Story Synopsis Sheets



• Note-Taking Sheet



• Comparison/Contrast Essay Packet

Activites:

• Read "The Scarlet Ibis", fill out Story Synopsis Sheet which identifies the basic literary elements such as plot, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, point of view, etc., discuss the elements as a class, discuss how Doodle fits into the hero archetype, discuss how Doodle does not fit into the hero archetype



• Watch The Mighty on film, use the Note-Taking Sheet to keep track of connections and differences between Doodle in "The Scarlet Ibis" and either Kevin or Max from The Mighty, fill out Story Synopsis, discuss the literary elements of the story, discuss how Kevin and Max fit the hero archetype, discuss how they don't fit the hero archetype



• As a class discuss how James Hearst and W. Rodman Philbrick present their heroes and why they gave them certain characteristics. Discuss the similarities and differences found between the stories.



• Using the Note-Taking Sheet and the Comparison/Contrast Essay Packet, fill in a rough draft of an essay that focuses on the similarities and differences between two characters. The essay will be written in block format and focus on Doodle from "The Scarlet Ibis" and either Kevin or Max from The Mighty. Students need to support their claims with details from the story and film. These claims should include characteristics of hero archetype.



• Through individual and peer editing, revise and write a second draft of the essay.



• Do a final edit and revision of the second draft before typing a final draft using a MLA format including a works cited page.

Copies of the following materials can be found on my wiki posted below:

• Story Synopsis Sheet



• Note-Taking Sheet



• Comparison/Contrast Essay Packet

http://criticaltechnicalities.pbwiki.com/%22The-Scarlet-Ibis%22-and-The-Mighty-Lesson