Project Options for Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road
For this project, focus on an area that is a strength for you. Your
project will be graded based on the thoroughness of your work, including the
quality of the final product.
Choose only one project option from the following:
1) Create a musical playlist and burn a CD of 5-7 works of music which
convey the themes, moods, characters, or moments of the novel. In
addition to the CD, you will write a discussion of each musical
choice—which specific part(s) of the novel you feel it connects with
or conveys and how the musical instrumentation and/or lyrics achieve
this. 2 pages minimum.
2) Create an original work of art (visual, musical, or performance)
inspired by the novel. In addition to the artwork, you will write a
discussion of your artistic choices and how these convey your own
reflections and meditations on McCarthy’s work. 1 page minimum.
3) Create an original work of art (literary) inspired by the novel. For
poetry, create a minimum of 50 lines, which may be divided among
several poems, Consider especially your creation and use of imagery.
4) Create an original work of art (literary) inspired by the novel. For
prose, create a short story that expands on something in the novel.
This could be events that happen in the novel which you develop into
a full story, events that did not happen but which would fit in with the
novel, or developing another character’s experience (someone the
man and boy had encountered in the novel).
5) Watch John Hillcoat’s 2009 film adaptation of the novel. Critique his
adaptation. Emphasize key scenes or moments in the film and in the
novel. Highlight parts that are significantly altered, added, or omitted
in creating the film version. 3 pages minimum.