Research Scenario
The novel The Fellowship of the Ring is regarded as one of the most influential books ever written in the modern fantasy genre. The most intriguing elements of the novel are the fantasy characters or creatures that were created by the author J.R.R. Tolkien. “Frodo”, a hobbit and “Gandolf the Grey”, a wizard, are just a few of these beloved characters. While Tolkien favored the elves as his favorite beings, he was best associated with acting more like a grouchy hobbit in real life. He once stated "I am in fact a Hobbit, in all but size". Each creature had distinct personality traits and unique characteristics based on the authors' vision of middle-earth.
To better understand the novel and its fantasy elements, you will investigate a topic related to one the characters/creatures in the novel. Your research should enable you to answer the following question:
How does an understanding of the fantasy characters in The Fellowship of the Ring enhance your comprehension of the novel? |
Task & Product
Your task will be to work with a group to research one aspect of Tolkien’s fantasy characters. Your group will use the information from your research to create a visual about your research topic for a guidebook which will be used by your classmates to enhance their understanding of the novel. The type of visual guide that you will create will relate to your particular topic area:
- Elves
- Dwarves
- Hobbits
- Dragons
- Orcs
- Wizards
Assessments
Research Process Assessments:
|
Final Product Assessments: |
Questions
How does an understanding of the characters in the fantasy literature of The Fellowship of the Ring enhance your comprehension of the novel? |
Subsidiary Questions:
- What is the history of your fanatasy character?
- What is their appearance and personality like?
- Where do they live?
- What is a typical day like for the creature?
- What are some interesting facts about the creature?
- Can you find a well-known creature and spotlight their characteristics? (example: Bilbo Baggins- Hobbit)
Gather & Sort
Use a variety of resources for gathering information about your fantasy creature.
Be sure to avoid plagiarism and remember to cite your references. Check a research guide for details about the proper citation of sources. For MLA guidelines and examples, click here.
Organize
Analyze your research notes to determine if you have adequate information to
prepare an informative guidebook?
Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft.
- Which facts would be most useful to creating your guidebook?
- Which facts are unnecessary and should be eliminated?
Evaluate your notes for quality and completeness. Refer to the rubric for assessment.
-
Revise or edit your first draft, as needed, based on your first self-assessment.
- Continue additional research and creation of your guidebook for homework.
Conclusion
Presentation
Design the visual for your team's guidebook. Have each team member create his/her own section of information based on their assigned subsidiary question. Compile all your teammates pages to create one guidebook based on your assigned creature. Attend a planned Gallery Walk in the library where all the guidebooks will be on display and information on all the creatures can be shared with your peers.