Photo Blog: Symbols and The Grapes of Wrath

Like text, photos can tell a distinct story.  The old aphorism, “A picture paints a thousand words,” was not an idle performance of the tongue, but rather a statement of truth in how the brain interprets pictures.

After reading Dr. Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums,” we viewed an example of how a photograph can be symbolic of a story.  The example showed a single flower blooming.  The photographer connected the photo to the story through Elisa’s dreams of rising above the people and places of her life.  However, like the flower Elisa is also inevitably rooted firmly in her place on the farm.

Like the example, create a photo symbol from The Grapes of Wrath.  You can choose characters or themes to represent with a photo.  For your photo, choose a quote from The Grapes of Wrath that helps illustrate your point.  Then provide commentary that explains your symbol.

Photo Blog Rubric:

Written Visual Element: 13 points

Image 2/13 points

2-clear, recognizable  1-blurry, indecipherable

Text quote 2/13 points

1-text listed    1-page of source referenced

Description of image/text connection-9/13 points

9-stunningly insightful   6-appropriate   3-confusing/unclear

Presentation-7 points

Preparation 2/7 points

2-displayed prepared blog to guide in-class comments

0-failed to prepare blog to guide in-class comments

Presentation basics 5/7 points

1- loud enough to hear

1-proper pacing–not too fast or slow

3-attitude

3-contagiously enthusiastic

2-calm but prepared

1-unengaged, boring

 

 

Argument and Current Events

Recently we have looked at op-eds which are in fact arguments made by others concerning positions, issues, and events in society.  Using one of formats discussed in class (Classical, Rogerian, or Toulmin), take a current event and address an issue that arises from that event.  For example, you may choose to discuss the Olympics in Sochi.  Some issues have arisen during the games, such as how unprepared Russia seemed for the games, the danger of the slope-style course, what should the Olympic Committee consider when choosing a host city. Your post does not have to be about the Olympics; it’s just a suggestion.

In your post, you must take a position, make a claim, and back up your claim using evidence.  Be sure to look at what others say about your position (on both sides) and address them in your post.  You must cite your resources at the bottom of your post.