The Secret Path
As a continuation of our study on residential schools and diary activity, we will be analyzing the "Secret Path", which tells the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack through a variety of media including poetry, song, and graphics. During this unit, students will grapple with comprehending theme, tone, symbolism, and other literary devices used throughout the work. Concurrently, students will build up their understanding of the "importance of sharing stories and experiences is a part of collective consciousness as Canadians and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit" -Alberta Education, 2006.
Assignment
In groups of 2, you will work together to analyze one part (2-3 poems/songs) from Gord Downie's “The Secret Path” about the story of Chanie Wenjack.
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You will be creating a visual representation (hard copy or digital poster) of your analysis using text and images to demonstrate your understanding of the following:
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Timeline: What is happening in the poems?
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Theme: What is the message? The meaning?
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Literary devices: Ie. metaphor, symbolism, tone
Your poster should include quotes from the poem that support the themes you have identified.
It should also include quotes from the poems that are examples of literary devices. (label which literary devices they are)
Visuals should enhance the text and “fit” with the poem. be creative. this can include colage, drawing, painting etc.
You can find the poems here:
http://www.gorddownie.com/albums/Secret+Path/
