Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Characterization
Dear Abby Letter Activity
For this assignment, please choose a character from the novel that is facing a character vs. character or a character vs. society conflict. While taking on the character’s identity, write a Dear Abby letter describing the conflict this person is facing. You may type or write your letter, but if it is written, it must be easy to read. Your letter should include the following elements:
1) a greeting that begins Dear Abby:
2) a short explanation of the character vs. character or character vs. society conflict.
3) the use of one example of direct characterization.
4) at least two examples of indirect characterization.
5) one detail that connects to the historical setting.
6) one of the vocabulary words from chapters 1-3 .
7) the asking for advice in solving the conflict.
8) a closing using the character’s name and a slogan connected to the conflict (see example below).
**Added challenge-add how your character handled the conflict or wants to handle the conflict and why this is his/her choice.
Your letter is due at the start of class tomorrow. Once your letter is checked in at the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Post Office, you will receive a letter from another student and write a response to help solve that character’s conflict.
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This is an example of a Dear Abby letter from the Chicago Sun-Times, dated January 4, 2011.
Dear Abby:
A few weeks ago I had one of the greatest days of my life when I married my fiancée. Let’s call her Joy. The ceremony was interrupted when my brother-in-law’s cell phone rang. I was so annoyed I turned around and asked him if he’d like us to wait while he took the call.
Imagine my surprise when the backlash about the interruption at the reception later was all directed at me! Joy and my side of the family laughed about it. But Joy’s family was angry and said I should have ignored it and not said a word. What are your thoughts? Should I apologize even if I’m not sorry?
On Hold in Chandler, Ariz.
Dear On Hold:
Your brother-in-law owes both you and Joy the apology. He should have turned his cell phone off before the ceremony. If he’s in a field where he’s on call 24/7, then the phone should have been set to vibrate rather than ring.
P.S. Please tell me he didn’t actually answer the phone during your wedding!