To Kill a Mockingbird Body Biography

PART I: Drawing Requirements:

 Character’s Body: He/ She should be about 2/3 of the page and must be in portrait style. Draw the entire body.
“Dress” him/her in appropriate clothes for the era, and character. Use symbolism in color and details regarding
clothing. Focus on the novel not the movie.
 A Heart: Where should it be placed to best represent what this character loves most? GO BEYOND THE OBVIOUS.
For example, if Atticus’ greatest love is his children, then how could you show that without drawing stick figures in
the heart? Make this large enough to make details clear.
 The Hands: What does the character hold in her or his hands? Items that represent the character symbolically
should be included. Character should hold two items, one for each hand.
 Foundation: On what is the character standing? This should a symbolic representation of the character's most
fundamental beliefs about life. Do not simply use words.
 The Background: Draw some elements that suggest the character's environment, background, or predicament. Use
details from the story, and try to go beyond obvious ideas.
 3 Quotations: Place three quotations from the story somewhere on the drawing that add to your understanding of
the character. Cite the page like this: (43). These quotations may be dialogue that is spoken by the character, or any
passage that shows something about him or her (something another person said, or some information the narrator
provides). Write legibly in ink or type, cut, and paste onto project.
 Color: Your entire page should be colored -- no “black and white grayscale.” Colors are often symbolic! Elements of
your drawing must include purposeful use of color associated with your character.

PART II: Written Reflection:

In addition to your visual, you must type in MLA format (double spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, one-
inch margins) a two-paragraph reflection answering the following:

 Paragraph 1 (half page) explain the artistic choices you made.

o How and why did you design the “heart, hands, foundation, and background,” color, and symbols in
order to demonstrate your understanding of your character?
o What do your design choices show us about that character and how their community has shaped and
influenced them?

 Paragraph 2 (half page) discussing the three quotations that you included on your drawing.
o You must include quotation in your paragraph. Passages should not be much longer than 2 lines.
o Explain why these quotations are so significant. How do they demonstrate the character’s values,
concerns, and perspectives?
o Citations must be written in correct MLA format. For example:
 DIALOGUE (change quotation marks around dialogue to single ‘ ): “’If your father’s anything, he’s
civilized in his heart’” (112).
 NO DIALOGUE: “Atticus paused and took out his handkerchief” (179).
 Both paragraphs must have a topic sentence, supporting details, commentary, and a
concluding sentence.
 Do not exceed one page of text. Do not be significantly under a page either.

Grading: (50 for drawing, 50 for writing)

Summative Assessment Inspired by: Pamela Coke (CSU) & Katy Sayers (PHS)
You will hand in: your visual and a printout (printed BEFORE CLASS) of your written reflection.

Summative Assessment Inspired by: Pamela Coke (CSU) & Katy Sayers (PHS)