Activity Overview
Taking the time to create a visual representation helps students remember literary concepts. Use storyboards to help them identify and remember important elements of the mystery genre. Students should depict a scene that contains a common mystery element and explain their depiction in the text box below. Ask students to provide examples from a variety of different mystery elements (such as foreshadowing, red herrings, and clues) or restrict the storyboard to a single element (such as three instances of foreshadowing).
Example Elements of Mystery in The Westing Game
Main Character as Detective
Although all the sixteen heirs are important to the story, Turtle takes on the role of protagonist. All the heirs attempt to win Westing’s game, but the novel focuses heavily on Turtle, the youngest and most endearing character. In the end, Turtle’s precocious wit enables her to solve the mystery that none of the adult heirs could decipher.
Clues
Westing provides his heirs (and the reader) with a variety of clues. The official clues that each pair receives are certainly important, but the most helpful clues might be in Westing’s newspaper obituary!
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing in the novel includes Westing's will, his obituary, and many comments from the omniscient narrator. From the very beginning, the smoke rising from the chimney of the Westing house is foreshadowing that the long-absent Westing will make an appearance in the lives of the Sunset Tower residents.
Red Herring
The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” and the missing letters spelling “Berthe Erica Crow” are all an elaborate red herring. This puzzle distracts from the real object of the Westing game, which is to identify Westing’s fourth identity. This red herring prevents the heirs from solving the mystery too quickly, providing them with the time to build relationships and improve their lives.
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 elements of mystery in The Westing Game.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify elements of mystery used in the novel.
- Describe how the elements contribute to the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Taking the time to create a visual representation helps students remember literary concepts. Use storyboards to help them identify and remember important elements of the mystery genre. Students should depict a scene that contains a common mystery element and explain their depiction in the text box below. Ask students to provide examples from a variety of different mystery elements (such as foreshadowing, red herrings, and clues) or restrict the storyboard to a single element (such as three instances of foreshadowing).
Example Elements of Mystery in The Westing Game
Main Character as Detective
Although all the sixteen heirs are important to the story, Turtle takes on the role of protagonist. All the heirs attempt to win Westing’s game, but the novel focuses heavily on Turtle, the youngest and most endearing character. In the end, Turtle’s precocious wit enables her to solve the mystery that none of the adult heirs could decipher.
Clues
Westing provides his heirs (and the reader) with a variety of clues. The official clues that each pair receives are certainly important, but the most helpful clues might be in Westing’s newspaper obituary!
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing in the novel includes Westing's will, his obituary, and many comments from the omniscient narrator. From the very beginning, the smoke rising from the chimney of the Westing house is foreshadowing that the long-absent Westing will make an appearance in the lives of the Sunset Tower residents.
Red Herring
The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” and the missing letters spelling “Berthe Erica Crow” are all an elaborate red herring. This puzzle distracts from the real object of the Westing game, which is to identify Westing’s fourth identity. This red herring prevents the heirs from solving the mystery too quickly, providing them with the time to build relationships and improve their lives.
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 elements of mystery in The Westing Game.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify elements of mystery used in the novel.
- Describe how the elements contribute to the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Describing Elements of Mystery in The Westing Game
Plan a Mystery-Themed Classroom Discussion for Deeper Engagement
Encourage students to think deeply by organizing a discussion focused on the mystery elements in The Westing Game. A guided conversation helps students connect clues, foreshadowing, and red herrings to the plot, making the story more memorable and interactive.
Select a key scene that highlights a mystery element
Choose a pivotal moment from the book that features clues, foreshadowing, or a red herring. Focusing on a specific scene gives your discussion a clear starting point and helps students anchor their ideas.
Prepare open-ended questions for student reflection
Create thought-provoking questions like, "How did this clue change your prediction?" or "Why do you think the author included this red herring?" Open-ended questions spark conversation and encourage critical thinking.
Facilitate small group conversations to build confidence
Divide students into small groups to discuss the questions. Smaller groups can help quieter students share their thoughts and increase participation.
Share group insights with the whole class
Invite each group to present their key takeaways. Sharing insights encourages active listening and gives everyone a chance to learn from different perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Describing Elements of Mystery in The Westing Game
What are the main elements of mystery in The Westing Game?
The main elements of mystery in The Westing Game include clues, foreshadowing, and red herrings. Each of these keeps readers guessing and adds suspense, while the protagonist Turtle acts as a detective, piecing everything together.
How can storyboards help students understand mystery elements in The Westing Game?
Storyboards visually map out scenes and key elements, making it easier for students to identify and remember important literary concepts—like clues, foreshadowing, and red herrings—found in The Westing Game.
What is an example of foreshadowing in The Westing Game?
An example of foreshadowing is the smoke rising from the Westing house chimney at the novel’s start, hinting early on that Westing will soon re-enter characters’ lives.
Why are red herrings important in mystery novels like The Westing Game?
Red herrings distract both characters and readers from the true solution, making mysteries like The Westing Game more engaging and challenging by adding twists and false leads.
How can teachers use The Westing Game to teach literary concepts in grades 6-8?
Teachers can use The Westing Game to teach literary concepts by having students identify and illustrate elements like clues, foreshadowing, and red herrings through activities such as storyboard mapping and group discussions.
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