To switch things up in literature class, I like to use movies. This allows us to study the elements of literature in a medium that relies on action and dialogue to carry the themes of the writing. In the 1970’s and 80’s the American Playhouse, an anthology television series created by PBS, produced film interpretations of many classic stories taught in American schools. These films are now available on Amazon Prime.
One such is “Pigeon Feathers,” an adaptation of a short story by John Updike.
“Pigeon Feathers” focuses on a young farm boy whose fear of death jump starts his search for the meaning of life. As he questions the adults around him, he hears various philosophies concerning personhood, the soul, individual purpose, personal destiny, and the value of life. The boy sifts through the philosophies shared by his father, mother, pastor, grandmother, and even his deceased grandfather–through the old man’s Bible. By the story’s end, the boy has not only drawn his conclusions but also hopefully sparked a similar curiosity in the student.
This film can be used in two ways.
1.Use the film alone with younger students. Feel free to download & use the worksheet I’ve attached. Have your student preview the questions before the film. After viewing, direct your student to answer the questions and complete the journal assignment. You could also add an art component.
2. For older students, use the film to compare/contrast with the story. I suggest only older students read the text of the story for several reasons. First, the relationships among the adults in David’s family are painful and difficult. Also, although David finds hope at the end of the story, the depiction of his initial fear of death is vivid. The original text contains a few mildly inappropriate words. Younger students may find these three elements disturbing.
I typically assign questions for my students to answer on the first read-through. We review the answers to those questions before I show the movie. Though the movie version is a bit slow, it provides a thorough interpretation of Pigeon Feathers. The movie reinforces details from the story and brings home the themes. Experiencing the story in both media usually lays down a foundation for some thought-provoking discussion.
Journaling connection:
Can you identify in yourself an area where you’ve experienced inner growth? What sparked the change? Did anyone give you advice–good or bad? How do you see life or yourself or those around you differently from when you were a child?
***If you need to “prime the pump” for your teen ask . . . Are you more responsible? Better at understanding another’s point of view? More able to set goals and reach them? More sure of your purpose in life? More able to imagine what others may be going through? Do you think more like a grownup?
Middle School Pigeon Feathers Lesson (movie only)
High School Pigeon Feathers ( story and movie) Discussion Guide
Complete text of Pigeon Feathers by John Updike, PDF
American Playhouse: Pigeon Feathers on Amazon Prime
Renee Ann Smith teaches literature in a Christian high school by day and writes stories by night. She reviews books and shares inspirational posts on her blog Doorkeeper at http://reneeannsmith.com/. You can also find her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ReneeAnnSmith.
