Experiencing the 1930s
Historical Narrative Prompt
Objective: The goal of this narrative is to connect history and fiction, just like Steinbeck does in Of Mice and Men.
Prompt: Now it’s time to walk in someone else’s shoes…
Now that we have closely read and analyzed Steinbeck’s style of writing, write your own Steinbeck-like narrative. Select one of the images taken during the 1930s from the “Photo Gallery” on the class page. The image will be your inspiration for writing a historical narrative.
Imagine what comes before or after the picture was taken. Who are the people? What is their struggle? Where are they going? Draw upon the primary sources the class gathered to assist with formulating your narrative. Accurate facts and depictions will be part of your overall grade as well as how your voice and style mimics Steinbeck’s style. Feel free to pull sensory details from “The 1930s sensory detail chart” to add to your depiction of the time period.
Your narrative should range from 3-5 pages and contain sensory details that help the reader gain an in-depth sense of the setting and circumstances.
With the Class: After you have written your Steinbeck-like narrative, dramatize the narrative for your classmates. You are a performer that must capture the essence of your narrative. Your classmates will assume the role of government agency photographers whose goal it is to capture the life, times, and struggles of the period. Use your narrative to assist you with your “performance.”
Prompt: Now it’s time to walk in someone else’s shoes…
Now that we have closely read and analyzed Steinbeck’s style of writing, write your own Steinbeck-like narrative. Select one of the images taken during the 1930s from the “Photo Gallery” on the class page. The image will be your inspiration for writing a historical narrative.
Imagine what comes before or after the picture was taken. Who are the people? What is their struggle? Where are they going? Draw upon the primary sources the class gathered to assist with formulating your narrative. Accurate facts and depictions will be part of your overall grade as well as how your voice and style mimics Steinbeck’s style. Feel free to pull sensory details from “The 1930s sensory detail chart” to add to your depiction of the time period.
Your narrative should range from 3-5 pages and contain sensory details that help the reader gain an in-depth sense of the setting and circumstances.
With the Class: After you have written your Steinbeck-like narrative, dramatize the narrative for your classmates. You are a performer that must capture the essence of your narrative. Your classmates will assume the role of government agency photographers whose goal it is to capture the life, times, and struggles of the period. Use your narrative to assist you with your “performance.”