History Portrayed In Literature - Research
Guiding Questions: How do authors use or alter history to write a fictional portrayal of the same time period or historical event?
Objectives: Identify how the author used or altered history to write a fictional portrayal of that time period or historical event and compare/contract the historical portrayal of a time against a historical account of the same period.
Directions: You will use this libguide as a guide throughout this unit to gather information on your historical time period/event. You will choose one of the theme topics based on your book selection, and that theme topic is what your documentary or informative essay will focus on. Use the links provided to research your topic. Use Noodletools to keep track of your research.
NoodleTools Research Requirements:
Noodle Tools Help:
Historical Time Period: 1930's Great Depression
Theme Topics For Where the Red Fern Grows:
Economic Hardship: The Great Depression plays an important role in the story as it shows the poverty and struggle faced by the main character, Billy Colman, and his family. The economic challenges they endure make Billy's desire to own hunting dogs and his determination to save money to buy them even more crucial.
Lack of technology and closeness to nature: the 1930s era evokes a sense of simplicity and a closer connection to nature. Technology was not how it was today, it was simpler and mostly used to help provide for families. Instead of being entertained by technology, people in the Great Depression spent more of their free time outside being with nature.
Background Info: Start by watching these videos to get a brief background on your historical time period.
Research Resources: Read the following articles to further research your topic.
Additional Research: Use this database to find additional research.
Historical Time Period: 1960's Segregation and Civil Rights Movement
Theme Topics For The Watsons Go to Birmingham:
Resilience and Hope: Despite the challenges and hardships they encounter in the segregated South, the Watson family demonstrates resilience and hope. The time period highlights the importance of family unity and the strength it provides during hard times.
Prejudice and Segregation: The segregation that was prevalent in the 1960s enables the author to explore the racial prejudices and tensions of the era, especially in the South.
Background Info: Start by watching these videos to get a brief background on your historical time period.
Research Resources: Read the following articles to further research your topic.
Additional Research: Use this database to find additional research.
Historical Time Period: 1830's Victorian England (Gender Roles or Social Classes)
Theme Topics For The True of Confessions of Charlotte Doyle:
Gender Roles and Expectations: The story is set in a time when strict gender roles and expectations were normal, especially for upper-class women. Charlotte's transformation from a prim and proper upper-class young lady into a rough and tumble sailor reflects the challenges and constraints she faces as she defies conventional social norms.
Social Class: The story highlights the social hierarchies and class distinctions of the early 1800s, which played a significant role on the ship. The different social classes are expressed in this book through the characters.
Background Info: Start by watching these videos to get a brief background on your historical time period.
Research Resources: Read the following articles to further research your topic.
Additional Research: Use this database to find additional research.
Historical Time Period: 1933-1945 Holocaust
Theme Topics For The Devil’s Arithmetic:
Survival and Resilience: The time period highlights the incredible resilience and strength displayed by Holocaust survivors. The characters' determination to endure and the sacrifices they make in the face of unimaginable suffering become central themes in the story.
Understanding the Past: The novel's protagonist, Hannah, is transported back in time to a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The use of time travel allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the past and the suffering endured by the Holocaust.
Background Info: Start by watching these videos to get a brief background on your historical time period.
Research Resources: Read the following articles to further research your topic.
Additional Research: Use this database to find additional research.