Literary Forensics: Unraveling Mysteries Through Classic Literature
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Literary Forensics: Unraveling Mysteries Through Classic Literature

Grade 11English8 days
In "Literary Forensics," 11th-grade students act as literary consultants to solve a modern-day mystery, applying literary analysis techniques learned from classic literature. They analyze excerpts, research authorial influences, and participate in a mock trial to argue their theories. The project culminates in a comparative analysis essay, bridging classic and contemporary texts to deepen their understanding of literary devices, themes, and character motivations.
Literary AnalysisClassic LiteratureModern MysteryCharacter MotivationThemesLiterary DevicesArgumentation
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use literary analysis techniques to solve a modern-day mystery, while exploring the impact of literary devices, character motivations, themes, and perspectives in both classic and contemporary texts?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do authors use literary devices to create meaning and impact?
  • In what ways can analyzing character motivations in literature help us understand human behavior?
  • How can we apply themes from classic literature to interpret contemporary issues or mysteries?
  • What is the role of perspective and bias in storytelling, and how does it affect our understanding of events?
  • How can comparing and contrasting different texts deepen our understanding of a central theme or idea?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Analyze literary devices to understand their impact on meaning.
  • Understand character motivations and their reflection of human behavior.
  • Apply themes from classic literature to contemporary issues.
  • Evaluate the role of perspective and bias in storytelling.
  • Compare and contrast texts to deepen understanding of themes.
  • Solve a modern-day mystery using literary analysis techniques.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Case of the Missing Manuscript

A local museum reports a theft of a recently acquired, controversial manuscript by a modern author known for mirroring classic literary themes. Students are called in as 'literary consultants' due to their expertise in classic literature to analyze potential clues hidden within the author's other works and the stolen manuscript's style, connecting classic themes to the modern mystery.

The Anonymous Literary Cipher

Students receive an anonymous package containing a series of cryptic messages, each echoing famous quotes or scenarios from classic literature. They must decipher the messages to uncover a hidden plot related to a current social issue in their community, linking classic literary wisdom to real-world problem-solving.

The Influencer's Literary Game

A popular social media influencer, known for their controversial takes, starts posting content that subtly references classic literature, sparking a viral debate about the true meaning behind their posts. Students analyze the influencer's content, identify the literary allusions, and create counter-narratives to either support or challenge the influencer's interpretations, bridging classic literature with modern online culture.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Literary Autopsy: Deciphering the Manuscript's DNA

Students will closely read and annotate excerpts from the stolen manuscript (or author's works), identifying key literary devices (metaphors, similes, symbolism), recurring themes, and unique stylistic elements. They will begin to formulate initial hypotheses about the manuscript's content and potential motives behind the theft.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Receive excerpts from the stolen manuscript (or related works).
2. Read each excerpt carefully, underlining or highlighting key phrases and passages.
3. Annotate the excerpts, identifying literary devices, themes, and stylistic elements.
4. Formulate a preliminary hypothesis about the manuscript's content and the motives behind the theft, based on your observations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAnnotated manuscript excerpts with detailed notes on literary devices, themes, and stylistic observations. A preliminary hypothesis statement connecting these observations to the modern mystery.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses ELA 11-12 standards related to close reading, textual analysis, and argumentation (e.g., RI.11.1, RI.11.2, W.11.1).
Activity 2

The Author's Literary Footprints: Tracing the Influences

Students will research the author of the stolen manuscript, focusing on their biography, literary influences, and common themes explored in their works. They will also research classic literary works that might have influenced the author or that share similar themes. This research will provide context for understanding the manuscript's content and potential connections to classic literature.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the author's biography and literary background.
2. Identify and analyze classic literary works that may have influenced the author or share similar themes.
3. Summarize the key findings from your research in a structured format.
4. Synthesize your research to explain how the author's background, influences, and the relevant classic literature connect to the stolen manuscript.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research portfolio including: author biography, analysis of literary influences, summary of relevant classic literature, and a synthesis of how these elements relate to the stolen manuscript.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers standards related to research, source evaluation, and synthesis of information (e.g., RI.11.7, W.11.7, W.11.8).
Activity 3

Literary Trial: Arguing the Motive Behind the Theft

Based on their close reading and research, students will develop a well-supported argument about the motive behind the manuscript's theft. They will present their argument in a mock trial setting, acting as either prosecution (arguing why the manuscript was stolen) or defense (arguing against the prosecution's claims).

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Develop a clear argument about the motive behind the manuscript's theft.
2. Gather evidence from your close reading and research to support your argument.
3. Prepare your argument for presentation in a mock trial setting.
4. Participate in the mock trial, presenting your argument and responding to opposing viewpoints.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive argument presented in a mock trial format, supported by evidence from the manuscript, author's background, and relevant classic literature.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standards related to argumentation, evidence-based writing, and persuasive communication (e.g., W.11.1, W.11.9, SL.11.4).
Activity 4

Echoes of the Classics: A Comparative Literary Analysis

Students will compare and contrast themes, character archetypes, and plot structures in the stolen manuscript (or author's work) with those found in classic literature. They will analyze how the modern author adapts or subverts classic literary elements to create new meanings and explore contemporary issues.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key themes, character archetypes, and plot structures in the stolen manuscript (or author's work).
2. Compare and contrast these elements with those found in relevant classic literature.
3. Analyze how the modern author adapts or subverts classic literary elements.
4. Write a comparative analysis essay that presents your findings in a clear and organized manner.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative analysis essay that explores the relationship between the stolen manuscript (or author's work) and classic literature, highlighting similarities, differences, and the author's unique interpretations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers standards related to comparison, analysis, and synthesis of literary works (e.g., RL.11.2, RL.11.9, W.11.2).
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Literary Forensics Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Close Reading & Initial Hypothesis

Assessment of the student's ability to closely read, annotate, and formulate an initial hypothesis based on manuscript excerpts.
Criterion 1

Textual Annotation and Hypothesis Formation

Accuracy and depth of annotations, identification of literary devices, and connections to overarching themes.

Beginning
1 Points

Annotations are superficial, missing key literary devices and showing little connection to themes. Hypothesis is vague and unsupported.

Developing
2 Points

Annotations identify some literary devices and themes but lack depth. Hypothesis is present but weakly connected to observations.

Proficient
3 Points

Annotations are thorough, identifying most literary devices and themes with clear connections. Hypothesis is logical and supported by textual evidence.

Exemplary
4 Points

Annotations are insightful, revealing nuanced understanding of literary devices and themes. Hypothesis is compelling, original, and strongly supported by textual evidence.

Category 2

Research and Synthesis

Evaluation of the student's research into the author's background, influences, and connection to classic literature.
Criterion 1

Authorial & Literary Research

Quality and relevance of research on the author's biography, literary background, and influences; clarity of summary; depth of synthesis connecting research to the manuscript.

Beginning
1 Points

Research is minimal or irrelevant, lacking clear summaries or synthesis. Connections to the manuscript are absent or illogical.

Developing
2 Points

Research is basic, with superficial summaries and limited synthesis. Connections to the manuscript are weak or unclear.

Proficient
3 Points

Research is thorough and relevant, with clear summaries and effective synthesis. Connections to the manuscript are logical and well-explained.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research is extensive and insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the author's context. Synthesis is compelling and reveals nuanced connections to the manuscript.

Category 3

Argumentation & Evidence

Assessment of the student's ability to develop and present a persuasive argument in a mock trial setting.
Criterion 1

Argumentation & Persuasion

Clarity and persuasiveness of argument, quality of evidence, and effectiveness of presentation during the mock trial.

Beginning
1 Points

Argument is unclear or illogical, with little or no supporting evidence. Presentation is disorganized and unconvincing.

Developing
2 Points

Argument is present but weakly supported by evidence. Presentation is somewhat organized but lacks persuasiveness.

Proficient
3 Points

Argument is clear, logical, and well-supported by evidence. Presentation is organized and persuasive.

Exemplary
4 Points

Argument is exceptionally persuasive, insightful, and supported by compelling evidence. Presentation is engaging, articulate, and highly effective.

Category 4

Comparative Analysis

Evaluation of the student's ability to compare and contrast literary works and analyze the author's unique interpretations.
Criterion 1

Comparative Analysis & Insight

Depth of comparison, insightful analysis of adaptations/subversions, and overall clarity and organization of the essay.

Beginning
1 Points

Comparison is superficial, with little analysis or organization. Essay lacks clarity and insight.

Developing
2 Points

Comparison identifies some similarities/differences, but analysis is basic. Essay is somewhat organized but lacks depth.

Proficient
3 Points

Comparison is thorough, with clear analysis of adaptations/subversions. Essay is well-organized and insightful.

Exemplary
4 Points

Comparison is nuanced and insightful, revealing a deep understanding of literary connections. Essay is exceptionally well-organized, clear, and demonstrates originality.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of literary analysis evolved through solving the modern mystery?

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