Night Creative Interpretation Project

There are many ways to demonstrate your understanding of our novel, Night by Elie Wiesel, that go beyond a literary analysis essay. For this final project, you will choose one of the creative options below and then write a 1-2 page artistic statement explaining your creative choices and how each piece connects to our study of the novel. All projects are worth a test grade of 100 points. (See grading scale on the back of project sheet).

1. Create a chronological scrapbook/diary for one of the characters to reflect their memories,
opinions, and feelings of WWII. The scrapbook should reflect the values of the character and their perspective on the events of the novel. (Try to capture how those values and perspectives grow and change throughout the novel). The scrapbook should be made up of both mementos/items and pictures (drawn, carefully selected from magazines, or poised black and white photos) and should contain captions and journaling by the character. (The journaling may include quotes). The scrapbook should contain at least 5 significant items. In your artistic statement, you will explain EACH item and how it connects to our study of the novel and the Holocaust.

2. Imagine that a movie version of the novel is being made, and youve been asked to
assemble the soundtrack or compose an original song. For the CD option, choose at least five songs that capture the themes/ideas of the novel. Your soundtrack may take the form of a CD that you create a cover for the cd and turn in copies of the lyrics. In your artistic statement, you will briefly explain the specific scene each song would accompany and an explanation of the mood and theme you are trying to capture. You may quote the lyrics (and consider quoting the novel) in order to explain how the song fits the scene you chose. Describe what well see on the screen as the song plays. (Your songs must be by various artists. You may use songs that are instrumental, but at least of your songs must have lyrics.)

3. Assemble a poetry portfolio. Compose and collect poems you feel relate to one of the
themes in the novel, and present them in an attractive book. You need at least 5 poems (only 3 may be original; the others must be by professional writers. Avoid websites that publish amateur worklike poemhunter.com. In your artistic statement, you will connect EACH poem to the themes/ideas in the novel. (Refer to specific lines in the poem and to specific characters, themes, and scenes from the book. Quoting the novel is also a great idea.) Remember, good poetry does not always rhyme, but it uses vivid verbs, descriptive language, and reflects the experience and emotions of the characters.

4. Write a 2-3-page essay that traces the use of a symbol or theme throughout the novel.
Explain the impact the symbol or theme has on the novel (think characters, plots, setting, etc.). Use plenty of textual evidence, including quotes (MLA documentation) in your explanation. Write in 3rd person. You may also need to do outside research to help deepen your understanding of the symbols. This option will NOT require an artistic statement.

5. Create 2-3 detailed illustrations. Choose the 2 most critical scenes from the novel, and
create an illustration for each. Reread the scenes very carefully before you begin; Elie Wiesels descriptions should be represented accurately in your illustrations. Each illustration should be a full page with a quote (MLA style) from the novel as a caption. In your artistic statement, include an explanation for each illustration of why you chose that scene as one of 2 most critical, and a description of what specifics you have tried to capture in your illustration and how (color, emphasis on certain details, angles, symbolism, your own added details, etc).

6. Create a 2-3 minute movie trailer. Imagine you are producing a modern day
interpretation of Night and your goal is to visually represent and dramatize the key

Night Creative Interpretation Project

moments in the movie to attract viewers. In your artistic statement, you will explain your thought process behind your creative work and make at least three connections to the themes/ideas/characters in the novel.

7. Create your own project. You must schedule a conference with me that includes a
detailed explanation of exactly what the project entails BEFORE proceeding.

Night Creative Interpretation Project Grading Scale

Creative Interpretation Is it original work? Does your project clearly and accurately reflect the ideas/themes of the novel? Does it reflect your own voice and ideas? Artistic Statement Are you connecting each piece of the project to the Holocaust topic and/or novel? Are the connections detailed and clear? Project Requirements Is your artistic statement typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font MLA format and one page in length? Do you have the minimum number of requirements for your project selection? Presentation Is your project neat, complete and easy to read? Does it capture the attention of your reader/viewer? Are your written components typed and easily displayed or attached to your creative work? Conventions Are there any spelling, capitalization, or punctuation problems? Check for fragments and run-ons! TOTAL SCORE: /100 Teacher comments:

/40

/25

/10

/15

/10