book cover image retrieved from https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781466873230
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Book ReviewMagical realism, forbidden love and an otherworldly prose make reading this book feel like eating cotton candy. In The Weight of Feathers, Anna-Marie McLemore spins an archetypal yarn of forbidden love and family feud in a most atypical manner. Lace Paloma and Cluck Corbeau are both from performing gypsy families who despise each other; yet, because they are also both outcast by their families have reason to connect. Lace's family perform in the water as mermaids and Cluck's are crows in the trees above. The two are set apart culturally (because one is French and the other is Spanish), metaphysically (due to curses and superstition) and physically (one is bird and the other a mermaid). Yet, as love will have it old feuds and familial conflict fall away in most dramatic style. Teachers will appreciate the lyrical artistry of language, aphorism, and (brimming with)poetic imagery. This title will not initially appeal to those unable to get lost in surreal worlds in which readers are pulled. Those who are not into flowery imagery may call the prose purple, but language is paramount to building the world of the narrative. The story demands complete surrender to its charms which makes it worthwhile on many levels. At its core, the messages are about individuality, independence, love and acceptance: modern themes which are delivered in a most wonderful way. The Weight of Feathers is most highly recommended.
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Teaching ideas |
Theatre History and Cultural Context
1. TII.10 The student will compare and contrast the purposes of theatre in selected historical periods. The traveling circus and its acts have entertained generations; recently Ringling Brothers Circus retired for a variety of reasons- which would be interesting to research. Circus performance presents an interesting study of the theatre involved. In The Weight of Feathers, two circus families lead separate and yet oddly conjoined lives as they entertain an specific audience. Take a look at the history of circuses in this History Magazine article. Based on the historical descriptions of circus performance, create a virtual circus that would entertain modern society. Explain the concept of acts and why it appeals to your generation. English 8 2. 8.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of fictional texts, narrative nonfiction, and poetry. a) Explain the use of symbols and figurative language. The Weight of Feathers is full of symbolic contrasting imagery (for instance dark and light, air and water, age and youth) as well as rhetorical devices (like similes and diction). Assign students specific images and/or rhetorical devices to track throughout the book and record in a reader's journal. At the end of the novel, ask students to write an original poem inspired by the novel using their favorite images and devices. English 10 3. 10.6 The student will develop a variety of writing to persuade, interpret, analyze, and evaluate with an emphasis on exposition and analysis. a) Generate, gather, plan, and organize ideas for writing to address a specific audience and purpose. After reading the novel, students should select three specific elements from The Weight of Feathers that make the book excellent OR a disaster. In a five paragraph essay with a clear three part thesis, students should persuade an audience of 10th grade teachers that this book should or should not be taught next year. Their papers must use quotes from the novel and proper citations. Art 4. AIII.11 The student will research and analyze artists, art styles, and cultures that inspire personal works of art. The Weight of Feathers is an example of magical realism, a specific style of writing and art. Often called surrealism, this style represents an artistic movement that developed in the 20's in Paris. Some famous artists like Salvador Dali and MC Escher are known for this style. Study the art form, artists and era; and then connect its qualities and some specific paintings to similar elements in the novel. A more modern surrealist artist, Rob Gonsalves' work is in the gallery here. The idea of two worlds merging into one in deceptive ways is an interesting connecting theme. Also, the Corbeau family is French in the novel, so there must be a connection to surrealism to be made! |
Partner Titles |
1. Classic Literature: Romeo & Juliet
I immediately connected this novel to Shakespeare! Freshmen read Romeo and Juliet and The Weight of Feathers is stylistically different in SO. MANY. ways, but also feels the same emotionally. Students would really enjoy this pairing. Reference: Shakespeare, W. (1597). Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1112/pg1112.html 2. Novel: Night Circus This novel has been compared to McLemore's magical realism in many reviews. It has a similar theme and audience but is not about forbidden love. If students like The Weight of Feathers, they will also like Night Circus. Reference: Morgenstern, M. (2011). The night circus. New York: Doubleday. 3. Poem: "Faithful Forest" by Alberto Rios: Magical realism Rios utilizes the same language style McLemore does in the novel. His language and imagery evokes the feeling of floating in this wonderful verse. Since the Corbeaus and the Palomas exist in forests the poem connects very well. 4. Newspaper Article: "It's a Living - Circus is a traveling City With its own Economy." Here is a piece of non-fiction to connect to this fiction piece. It provides interesting information about what life is like in a traveling circus. 5. Short Story: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka This is a high interest, quick read. It shares the same surreal setting/situation as the novel. Kafka is classic literature so this pairing is going to relate to a sophomore or freshman curriculum. Reference: Kafka, F. (1015). The Metamorphosis. Retreived from www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm |
Further ExplorationPlaylist created by St. Martin's Press for The Weight of Feathers.
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1. Superstitions Around the world. Both the Corbeau and Paloma families are deeply superstitious. This US News article explores superstitions around the world.
2. Further history, terms, examples of literary surrealism. This explanation clearly and with examples explains important terms to know for understanding this genre. 3. Playlist: St. Martin's Press has created a playlist of songs for the novel. According to the title, the author created it? Either way, this would be a fun activity to ask students to connect songs thematically to the novel. 4. An interview with the author. Students will like reading this interview because they will learn about her diverse background (she is Latina), her other novel When the Moon was Ours, and much more about writing. 5. ABC News Story: Hatfield and McCoy family feud. This is a short introduction to the most famous American family feud. Another piece of non-fiction to discuss as the fictional feud rages on. |
Reference List:
Education, V. D. (n.d.). Standards of Learning. Retrieved July 07, 2017, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/