Introduction
Harry Potter is one of the most renowned book series in existence. With seven books and a play, eight movies, two sections of a theme park designed about this world, a virtual world in which to relive the magic, as well as many fan-fiction based creations, it has literally opened a door to other worlds.
It will take quite some time, but in the exploration of this series, you will learn things about the wizarding world as well as yourself.
"The wand chooses the wizard. It is not always clear why. I think it is clear, that we can expect great things from you. Afterall, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was great. Terrible, yes, but great."
Task
In your search for knowledge about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will become increasingly aware of the literary elements imbedded in the storyline. To conclude your journey, you will write an essay explaining how these literary elements impact the story.
- Which literary devices can you identify in the story?
- How would the story be different if it was not there?
- What does it do to make reading more enjoyable?
Process
Read (excerpts or in whole):
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Watch (as much as you can of):
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
Explore:
https://www.wizardingworldhollywood.com/
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
Evaluation
The essay that you write will be graded against the APL writing rubric. There will be a teacher-graded rubric and 3 peer-graded rubrics attached to your essay when it is returned to you.
Students must include four types of literary devices and must provide at least one support from the storyline for each type. The more you are able to provide support that your literary device is important to the plot, the more likely you are to claim that it is a key in the writing.
Conclusion
Reflection:
- What did you learn from this activity?
- Are you able to identify literary devices more easily than before? Which ones? Why?
- Can you include literary devices in your own writing? Which ones? Why?
Teacher Page
Created by Jessica Cranford