Johnston
English 1A- Summer Online 2010
Parable of the Sower
Each student will be assigned a group to work with on the photo-essay project. This project is
similar to our research paper. You will ask questions about your topic, explore different
images to find the answers and use Parable of the Sower to support your ideas. The
following is a list of group themes:
Group 1. Crime and Violence
Our heroine, Lauren Olamina, experiences some sort of violence and crime on a daily
basis. As a matter of fact, crime and violence could be a character itself within the
novel. Show us the role crime and violence play in the story, and how it affects the
characters lives.
Group 2. Morals and Values
In an apocalyptic future who can you trust? As we observe Lauren’s journey, we see
how her morals and values shift, morph and ultimately change. Are they for the better
or the worst? Describe the morals and values seen throughout the novel. How are the
characters influenced by them?
Group 3. Otherness- diversity and the like
The community Lauren comes from is diverse in several ways. Does this diversity hurt
or help? How does the community overcome their differences in order to survive? What
is the significance of a young, African-American woman being the heroine and leader?
Also, consider the issue of hyperempathy syndrome, is it a power or disability. Share
with us the significance of “otherness” in the story.
Group 4. Religion
The title of the novel, comes from a bible story. Therefore, it’s obvious that religion is a
substantial theme in the story. Like crime and violence, religion could also be it’s own
character. Show the significance of religion in the novel. Is religion necessary for
people to survive? What is it’s purpose?
Group 5. Gender
Our lead character is a young Black woman, Lauren. She is comfortable with both her feminine
and masculine sides. She also takes on a leadership role that would be seen more with a
man. Explore the concept of gender, and what you think Butler may be trying to say
about gender in the future.
Note that there is certainly overlap between these topics. They are not always neatly separated
or even, at times, clearly defined. For example, Butler does not say, “Now I’m going to
tell a story that shows otherness.” You have to infer when your area applies, which will
demand close, focused, reading and annotation throughout the text. Your job will be
to identify where the ideas in your area come into play as much as possible, as well as
to show (and discuss) when they do overlap. As you read, note with special attention
your area of focus.
The Project: There are three components to this project:
1. Develop one question around your theme to ask the class. For example, if your theme is
crime and violence, you might ask, “ How is Lauren affected by the violence she
witnesses?” These should be questions that promote critical thinking. Factual questions,
questions that have a right or wrong answer like “What’s Lauren’s stepmom?” are not
acceptable questions. These questions must be emailed to me by July 21st. Students
will be expected to respond to the questions by July 23rd. I will post them.
2. Like the “Terms and Images” assignment, as group create a collage of images that you
think represent your theme. Your collage should include a thesis statement. What
argument does your group want to make regarding your theme and the book. For
example, “Religion brings unity and guidance in desperate times.” Or “ The families we
create are more significant than the ones we come from” These would be fine thesis
statements based on the themes of religion and family. You should have 7-10 images
that represent your thesis. For each image explain why you chose it and use a quote
from the book to support your ideas. So, for this part of the project you’ll need a
thesis statement, images and quotations. This should be done in your word processing
program and submitted in rich text format. Photos for the essay can be both abstract and
literal. You could use actual pictures of churches and other places of worship, or a photo
of what you think religion represents (metaphors). As long as you are able to explain
your thinking to the class, whatever photos you use are fine. You can use personal
photos and images downloaded from the internet. The more creative and unique the
better! The project is due July 26th.
3. Finally, write a one-page group reflection of the project. This where you can discuss
what your experience was like working with the group. You will also give your group a
grade. See the handout. Due July 26th.
Remember this is supposed to be a creative project, so have fun with it!!!!
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The project is worth 50 points
You will be graded on your argument and creativity!
Each group member must also complete a reflection on their role and contributions to
the group project. This will influence your grade greatly.
Groups:
Crime and Violence: Ali, Lanae. Julio, Yitzhak
Morals and Violence: Aimee, Jacqueline, Cuong, Chelsea
Otherness: Mini, Muanza, Linda, Ronalyn
Religion: Jennifer, Johanna, Taj, Geraldine
Gender: Geneva, Maria, Starlisah