Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane: Exploring the Influences

Introduction

Neil Gaiman published Ocean at the End of the Lane in 2013, but the book is heavily influenced by folk/fairy tales and the mythologies of several cultures.
For this project, you will explore Gaiman’s literary influences in terms of his style in general; you will also discover the folk and fairy tales, archetypes, and mythological elements that permeate his text.
Finally, with your group, you will create a project that you will share with the rest of the class on presentation day.

Task

You should begin by exploring all of the resources on the "Process" page. There is a wide variety: interviews with the author, reviews of Ocean…, a poem by Gaiman that pairs nicely with the novel, and some instructions to help you with your project.
I am providing you with three project options. That being said, if your group has another idea, just come talk to me. I’m sure we can work out a way for you to fulfill the requirement of this assignment.
Option I: Create and present a modern fairy tale that includes at least five of the
   components listed here. You may read or perform your story as a play.
Option II: Create and present a video book trailer that incorporates the following:
  1. At least one award that Gaiman has won,
  2. A major theme in the novel,
  3. At least three important symbols,
  4. At least five characters, and
  5. Musical underscoring.
Use this link to find step-by-step instructions for creating your trailer:  http://www.booktrailersforreaders.com/How+to+make+a+book+trailer
Option III: Create and present a Google Slide or Prezi presentation in which you fully
      explore Gaiman’s influences in terms of how the following helped to shape
      Ocean at the End of the Lane.
  1. Biographical,
  2. Literary (genres, styles, and any specific works mentioned),
  3. Cultural (folk/fairy tales/myths/archetypes), AND
  4. Themes and symbols.
*REMINDER: No matter which of the three project options your group chooses, you MUST create and turn in a hard copy of a formal, MLA 8-style Works Cited page on presentation day.*
You will have three 50-minute class periods as well as one 90-minute block day to work with your group. Of course, you can and should work outside of class, but that is all the class time we can spare.

Process

Step One: If you have not already done so, finish the book.
Step Two: Research Neil Gaiman, his literary influences, and the elements he drew from for this novel. Here are your potential sources:
     Gaiman reads from Ocean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu7e7nnaiDs

 
     Gaiman on reading his books aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2SghnLG0ig
     Gaiman on Norse mythology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zHCpEnCy8I

 
Poem by Gaiman: http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/poetrylist/instructions-by-neil-gaiman.html
Biographical info on Gaiman, as well as some book club questions: 
         http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/13-fiction/9259-ocean-at-end-of-lane-
         gaiman?start=3
     Shmoop piece on allusions and cultural references: 
          http://www.shmoop.com/the-ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane/allusions.html
Information on Archetypes (Very helpful information for this project in the first video at 4' 47", 6' 24", and 9' 03"; and all of the second video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLi8acIKN9I

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqftFr_SMVs&list=PLKqWBy5ykNnrpwV-tAPn0…

Reviews of the book

From The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/books/review/neil-gaimans-ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane.html
From The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jul/03/ocean-end-lane-gaiman-review
From NPR: http://www.npr.org/2013/06/17/191346480/a-deceptively-simple-tale-of-magic-and-peril-in-ocean
Step Three: Decide which of the project options is right for your group.
Step Four: Divide the labor as your group sees fit; then, create one of the following project
options with a small group of no more than five members (including yourself). In
addition to the specific parameters for the project you select, your group must also type
up and turn in a hard copy of a formal, MLA-style Works Cited page. Use this link to
EasyBib to get started.
 

Evaluation

I will use this rubric to evaluate your group's presentation. Use it as a guide while you create your project.
Rubric for Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane Web Quest Presentation
Group members’ names:
Which option did your group complete?
Criteria
Weight
Exemplary
Admirable
Acceptable
Attempted
Research of Topic
20%
  • Use of three or more of the teacher-provided sources
  • Factual information is accurate
  • Narrow focus of topic
  • Use of two teacher-provided sources, including
  • Most information can be confirmed
  • Topic could be more narrowly focused
 
  • Use of one teacher-provided source
  • Some errors in information
  • Topic somewhat broad
  • Use of only one source
  • Numerous errors in information
  • Topic too general
 
Organization (Outline or Storyboard for Planning)
15%
  • Logical sequencing
  • Menus and paths are clear
  • Original; inventive; creative
  • Somewhat logical sequencing
  • Menus and paths are mostly clear
  • Original
  • Sequencing is poorly planned
  • Menus and paths are sometimes confusing
  • Little originality
  • Sequencing is confusing
  • Menus and paths are confusing
  • Inconsistent
  • Rehash of other people’s ideas
Content
20%
  • Covers topic completely and in depth
  • Content is readily understandable
  • Media used contributes to understanding of topic
  • Covers topic
  • Content is mostly understandable
  • Media used mostly contributes to understanding of topic
  • Barely covers topic
  • Content is somewhat understandable
  • Media used somewhat contributes to understanding of topic
  • Does not adequately cover topic
  • Content is confusing
  • Media used does not contributing to understanding of topic
Graphic Design
25%
  • Effective combination of multimedia and persuasive design elements
  • Excellent use of navigational tools and buttons
  • Graphics effectively entice audience; accurately convey message
  • Good combination of multimedia and design elements
  • Adequate navigational tools and buttons
  • Visuals and images are attractive; adequately conveys message
  • Some use of multimedia and design elements
  • Some buttons and navigational tools work properly
  • Use of visuals and images is limited; message is conveyed
  • 0-1 media used
  • Buttons and navigational tools are absent or confusing
  • Use of visuals and images is confusing or absent; message is confusing
Mechanics
10%
  • Correct grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling
 
  • MLA Works Cited page is complete and correct
  • Few grammar, usage, mechanics, or spelling errors
 
  • MLA Works Cited page is included, but with 1-3 errors
  • Several grammar, usage, mechanics, or spelling errors
 
  • MLA Works Cited page is attempted, but does not meet the requirements
  • Obvious grammar, usage, mechanics, or spelling errors
  • Sources are not cited
Teamwork
(optional)
10%
  • Work load is divided and shared equally
  • Some members contribute
  • Few members contribute
  • One or two people do all of the work
 
 
Final Score ________________
 

Conclusion

Now that you have explored various facets of Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane, you may be curious about similar works of literature. If so, take a look at the following books:

Other Neil Gaiman Novels: Coraline, American Gods, Neverwhere, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, Norse Mythology

Books about Mythology, or with Mythological Influences: The Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan and Robert Venditti; Edith Hamilton's Mythology; The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell; Bulfinch's Mythology