Activity Overview
Thirteen Reasons Why provides opportunities for teaching a number of useful literary devices. Have students use storyboards to demonstrate their demonstrate their understanding of these devices in an engaging way. Have students depict scenes from the novel that illustrate concepts like stream of consciousness, foil, tragic flaw, foreshadowing, irony, figurative language, or deus ex machina. Students should then clearly explain how the scene makes use of that literary device.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different literary devices found in the story.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify four different literary devices used in the novel.
- Describe how each device is used.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, items, and dialogue.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Thirteen Reasons Why provides opportunities for teaching a number of useful literary devices. Have students use storyboards to demonstrate their demonstrate their understanding of these devices in an engaging way. Have students depict scenes from the novel that illustrate concepts like stream of consciousness, foil, tragic flaw, foreshadowing, irony, figurative language, or deus ex machina. Students should then clearly explain how the scene makes use of that literary device.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different literary devices found in the story.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify four different literary devices used in the novel.
- Describe how each device is used.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, items, and dialogue.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literary Devices in Thirteen Reasons Why
Organize a classroom discussion on literary devices in Thirteen Reasons Why
Encourage students to share their examples of literary devices and explain their choices. This fosters critical thinking and allows students to learn from each other's perspectives.
Promote respectful dialogue and active listening
Set expectations for how students should interact during discussions. Remind them to listen carefully, wait their turn, and respond thoughtfully to classmates' ideas.
Use guiding questions to deepen analysis
Ask open-ended questions like, “How does this device affect the story’s mood?” or “Why might the author have used irony here?” This helps students think beyond surface-level observations.
Connect literary devices to students' own experiences
Invite students to relate devices from the novel to movies, TV shows, or books they know. This makes abstract concepts more relatable and memorable.
Summarize key insights from the discussion
Highlight important points and unique observations from students at the end of the session. This reinforces learning and celebrates participation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Devices in Thirteen Reasons Why
What are the main literary devices used in Thirteen Reasons Why?
Thirteen Reasons Why features literary devices like stream of consciousness, foil, tragic flaw, foreshadowing, irony, figurative language, and deus ex machina. Each device helps deepen the story’s themes and characters.
How can I teach literary devices in Thirteen Reasons Why using storyboards?
Have students create storyboards that illustrate scenes from the novel using literary devices. Ask them to identify, depict, and explain each device, using characters, dialogue, and visual elements for clarity and engagement.
What is an example of foreshadowing in Thirteen Reasons Why?
An example of foreshadowing in Thirteen Reasons Why is when Hannah drops subtle hints about future events through her tapes, giving readers early clues about major plot developments before they happen.
Why is teaching literary devices with Thirteen Reasons Why effective for grades 6-12?
Using Thirteen Reasons Why to teach literary devices is effective because the novel’s themes resonate with teens, and its varied devices offer clear, relatable examples that support deeper literary analysis for grades 6-12.
What are some engaging activities for exploring literary devices in Thirteen Reasons Why?
Engaging activities include storyboarding key scenes with literary devices, group discussions about their impact, and creative assignments where students rewrite scenes using different devices to see how meaning changes.
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