To complete your portfolio about 'Out of my Mind', you will need to engage with the novel and analyze key elements such as character conflicts and motifs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach each question:
1. Find a section in the novel in which a character faces a conflict and must rise to the occasion. Who was the character, and what is their conflict?
- First, locate a section in the book where a character faces a significant conflict. It could be a problem, dilemma, or challenge they must confront.
- Identify the character involved in this conflict and explain their conflict. For instance, it could be the protagonist, Melody Brooks, who faces the conflict of not being able to communicate due to her physical disability.
2. What events does this conflict set in motion?
- Once you've established the character and their conflict, look at the events that occur as a result of this conflict.
- Detail how the conflict impacts the story's progression and affects other characters or situations. For example, Melody's conflict might motivate her to find alternative ways of communication, leading to interactions and revelations with other characters.
3. Describe the rising action. What happens in the climax?
- The rising action refers to the events that build tension and lead up to the story's climax. Identify and summarize these events, focusing on how they escalate the conflict and bring the story to a turning point.
- In the climax, the conflict reaches its peak, and the outcome or resolution becomes apparent. Describe what happens during this crucial moment.
4. Does the character adapt to change, confront the issue, or back down and fail?
- Consider how the character responds to the conflict. Do they adapt to the situation, confront the issue head-on, or experience a setback and fail to overcome it?
- Explain the character's approach and its consequences. For example, Melody might adapt by utilizing new communication methods and ultimately succeed in expressing herself.
5. What does the character learn from the experience?
- Reflect on the character's growth and development resulting from the conflict and its resolution.
- Address what the character learns about themselves, others, or the world around them. For instance, Melody might learn about the power of determination and the importance of advocating for oneself.
6. Consider the novel's motifs. What is one common motif expressed in the book so far?
- Identify a recurring theme or motif in the novel. Motifs are symbols, images, or ideas that reappear throughout the story, providing insight into the larger themes.
- Determine whether the novel explores one of the given motifs (good vs. evil, fate vs. free will, alienation, humans vs. nature, identity, change vs. tradition, overcoming fear or weakness, quest for discovery) or if there's another motif you recognize.
7. Name the motif and explain how it is expressed in the novel.
- State the motif you've chosen and provide examples from the story to support your choice.
- Describe how this motif is expressed through specific characters, events, or symbols in the novel, demonstrating how it contributes to the overall narrative.
8. Use these motifs to help you determine a theme revealed in the story.
- Utilize the identified motif to extract a theme from the novel.
- Analyze how the motif connects to broader ideas or messages conveyed throughout the story.
- Write your answers in your journal, making sure to support your reasoning with evidence from the text.
By following these steps, you should be able to complete your portfolio on 'Out of my Mind' effectively. Remember to engage with the text and provide specific examples and textual evidence to strengthen your analysis.