GRAPHIC NOVELS IN THE

CLASSROOM
B Y K R I S T I N A , B R O G A N , A N D E VA N

LESSON OVERVIEW
Purpose in the classroom
Why Graphic Novels?
The BioGraphic Novel
Graphic novels for Research
Romeo and Juliet
Activity

PURPOSE IN THE CLASSROOM

Graphic novels are commonly treated as a
means to an end in English classrooms (111)
Generally used to complement more canonical
works representing the same point

Art Spiegelmans Maus

Anne Franks Diary of a Young Girl

WHY GRAPHIC NOVELS?

Readers feel a certain amount of control in the
reading process (111)
There is little room for creativity and invention in
traditional literary texts

Provides a you are there intimacy that engages

readers (113)
Provides greater context for understanding

They are sophisticated form

The blending of visual and textual for understanding
Use of Visual elements, gestural elements, and spatial
elements

THE BIOGRAPHIC NOVEL

Gives the ability to zoom out
to show larger, contextual
details about the individuals
time period
Ex. Thoreaus Walden

THE BIOGRAPHIC NOVEL

Gives the ability to zoom out
to show larger, contextual
details about the individuals
time period
Ex. Thoreaus Walden

OTHER BIOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES

RETHINKING TRADITIONAL RESEARCH

Research papers have become the most
untraditional writings the world has ever seen
(115)
Research should allow for individuals to make
their personalities and individual voices emerge,
while still respecting traditional practices
Research as a team effort pairing of student
authors and student writers

FOR SHAKESPEARE
Texts that students wouldnt
normally read or understand
can be made more easily
accessible through graphic
novels
Graphic novel consists of
modern-day English while still
containing Shakespeares
original ideas

MANGA SHAKESPEARE
Connects 21st century students to characters in
17th century play
Makes characters look like high school aged
students
Allows for better access and understanding of
text due to the visual experience and ability to
relate

YOUR TURN WITH OTHELLO

Recreate a favorite scene from Othello with the
people at your table
Consider designating one or two people as the artist
and the others can be the writers