Historical Photograph
Writing Project Ms. Johnson 06-07
Nevertheless,
the camera’s rendering of reality must always hide more than it discloses.
--Susan Sontag
I look at
what he can see through his lens and what he cannot—silverfish behind the walls, the
yellow tint of a faded bruise—other things here, what the camera misses.
--from Bellocq’s Ophelia by Natasha Trethewey
Objective: Using your imagination
and historical investigation skills, give narrative voice to a character in a
historical photograph. Writing Standards:
1.2 Point of view/1.5 Fresh, vivid language/1.6 Research/ 2.2 Writing Fictional
or Biographical narratives
Steps:
1.
Choose a photo. Browse various websites
and archives in search of a photograph. Your photo must depict at least one person whose identity you could
assume. The photo must also date before
1930.
2.
When you find your photo, save it! Also,
insert the image into the APPARTS file
where you will be doing research.
3.
Research your photograph. Use the APPARTS chart to guide your historical
investigation. Be sure to cite your research. You should have at least 2 citations!
4.
Before you begin the creative process take notes. Observe the photo carefully,
look, notice, survey, “gaze”, and begin to invent your character. Use the
handout called “Invented “I” Notes”.
Answer
at least ¾ of the questions on this handout.
5.
Finally, begin the creative writing
process. Be sure to show off your research and writing skills (concrete
diction and figurative language).
e
If
you are writing poetry, write a series of at least 3-4 poems (approx. 100 lines of poetry)
e
If
you are writing a first person monologue, write at least 2-3pgs double spaced. (1000
words).
|
Project Deadlines |
Possible Points |
Points Received |
Dates |
|
APPARTS Research |
15 |
|
|
|
Invented “I” Notes |
15 |
|
|
|
First Draft (1-2 pgs
or 2 poems) |
10 |
|
|
|
Final Draft (2-3 pgs
or 3-4 poems) |
30 |
|
|
|
Presentation |
20 |
|
|
|
Reflection |
10 |
|
|
|
Total |
100 |
|
|
RUBRIC: Historical Photograph Writing Project
|
|
0 |
5 |
8 |
10 |
|
Style |
No use of 1st
person Little or no concrete
language No exploding images or
use of figurative language |
First person character
invention 10 concrete words 1-2 exploding images
or use of figurative language |
Creative first person
character invention 15 concrete words 3 exploded images or
use of figurative language |
Uniquely, imaginative, and detailed first person character
invention 20 or more concrete words 4 or more exploded images or use of figurative language |
|
Research |
No evidence of
research |
Little evidence of
research |
6 allusions that show
evidence of research |
9 or more allusions that show evidence of research |
|
Length |
less than 50 lines monologue – less than
50 words |
50 lines monologue – 50 words |
3 poems – 80 lines monologue – 800 words |
3-4 poems – 100 lines monologue – 1000 words |
|
Total Points:
________/30 |
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