Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
The Westing Game Themes to Look For and Discuss
Friendship
The real purpose of the Westing game is not the inheritance, but the relationships that the game creates and strengthens. Westing seems to choose the pairs that will bring out the best in each other. Denton brings Chris medical support, Flora and Turtle provide each other with much-needed love, Grace helps James make his restaurant successful, and Jake helps Sunny speak English and adjust to life in America.The rest of the heirs enjoy similar benefits. In the end, most of the heirs do not receive millions from Westing, but they do build lifelong friendships.
Forgiveness and Making Amends
In his younger days, Sam Westing made a lot of mistakes: he spoke unkindly to his servants, stole James Hoo’s invention, and drove his daughter to suicide. Through his will, he tries to fix these mistakes and return happiness to the people he affected. He gives them excitement, hope, and friendship, in addition to $5,000 and a share in Sunset Towers.
The Westing Game Symbols and Motifs
Patriotism
Sam Westing feels great patriotism for America. He wears the clothes of Uncle Sam in his coffin, uses clues from “America the Beautiful”, and sets off fireworks on the Fourth of July. His obvious patriotism blends nicely with the rest of the characters. The residents of Sunset Towers come from many different financial and ethnic backgrounds. Their friendship represents the melting pot of America’s immigrant nation.
Chess
Sam Westing’s love for chess is woven throughout the story. We learn that he used to play with Judge Ford years ago and would beat her by sacrificing his queen. In a way, the “Westing game” is like a giant game of chess. At the end, Crow (Westing’s queen) is sacrificed to distract from the main point of the game. The chess connection is passed on when Westing teaches Turtle, who later teaches Alice.
Sydelle’s Crutches
At the beginning of the story, Sydelle Pulaski has no need of crutches. However, she uses brightly decorated crutches and feigns injury to draw attention to herself and win sympathy. The crutches are a symbol of her insecurity and weakness. Many other characters have their own crutch that they hide behind: Turtle’s is her braid, Angela’s is her pretty face, Grace’s is Angela, Mr. Hoo’s is food, Theo’s is Chris, etc.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The Westing Game. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Westing Game you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
The Westing Game Themes to Look For and Discuss
Friendship
The real purpose of the Westing game is not the inheritance, but the relationships that the game creates and strengthens. Westing seems to choose the pairs that will bring out the best in each other. Denton brings Chris medical support, Flora and Turtle provide each other with much-needed love, Grace helps James make his restaurant successful, and Jake helps Sunny speak English and adjust to life in America.The rest of the heirs enjoy similar benefits. In the end, most of the heirs do not receive millions from Westing, but they do build lifelong friendships.
Forgiveness and Making Amends
In his younger days, Sam Westing made a lot of mistakes: he spoke unkindly to his servants, stole James Hoo’s invention, and drove his daughter to suicide. Through his will, he tries to fix these mistakes and return happiness to the people he affected. He gives them excitement, hope, and friendship, in addition to $5,000 and a share in Sunset Towers.
The Westing Game Symbols and Motifs
Patriotism
Sam Westing feels great patriotism for America. He wears the clothes of Uncle Sam in his coffin, uses clues from “America the Beautiful”, and sets off fireworks on the Fourth of July. His obvious patriotism blends nicely with the rest of the characters. The residents of Sunset Towers come from many different financial and ethnic backgrounds. Their friendship represents the melting pot of America’s immigrant nation.
Chess
Sam Westing’s love for chess is woven throughout the story. We learn that he used to play with Judge Ford years ago and would beat her by sacrificing his queen. In a way, the “Westing game” is like a giant game of chess. At the end, Crow (Westing’s queen) is sacrificed to distract from the main point of the game. The chess connection is passed on when Westing teaches Turtle, who later teaches Alice.
Sydelle’s Crutches
At the beginning of the story, Sydelle Pulaski has no need of crutches. However, she uses brightly decorated crutches and feigns injury to draw attention to herself and win sympathy. The crutches are a symbol of her insecurity and weakness. Many other characters have their own crutch that they hide behind: Turtle’s is her braid, Angela’s is her pretty face, Grace’s is Angela, Mr. Hoo’s is food, Theo’s is Chris, etc.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The Westing Game. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Westing Game you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How Tos about The Westing Game Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Plan a class debate about the motives of Sam Westing
Assign students roles as different heirs or as Sam Westing himself, then organize a structured debate in which each participant argues why Sam Westing designed the game the way he did. This promotes critical thinking and helps students practice backing up their opinions with text evidence.
Give students prep time to gather evidence from the novel
Encourage students to look for scenes, quotes, and character actions that reveal Sam Westing’s intentions. Remind them to note both direct and indirect clues for a well-rounded argument.
Facilitate the debate using respectful discussion routines
Set clear expectations for turn-taking, listening, and responding thoughtfully. Model sentence starters such as, "I agree because..." or "I see it differently because..." to foster a supportive environment.
Debrief as a class to connect debate insights to major themes
Lead a whole-class reflection on how the debate deepened understanding of themes like forgiveness, friendship, and identity. Invite students to share what new perspectives they discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Westing Game Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
What are the main themes in The Westing Game?
The Westing Game explores themes like friendship, forgiveness, and identity. Through the puzzle, characters form unexpected bonds, make amends for past mistakes, and discover their true selves, showing that relationships are more valuable than money.
How can I teach The Westing Game themes using storyboards?
To teach themes from The Westing Game with storyboards, have students identify key themes, illustrate scenes that highlight them, and add short descriptions. This visual approach helps students connect details from the text to broader ideas.
What do the symbols in The Westing Game represent?
Symbols like chess, crutches, and patriotic imagery in The Westing Game represent strategy, hidden weaknesses, and America's diversity. Each symbol connects to the characters' personal growth and the story’s larger messages.
Why is friendship important in The Westing Game?
Friendship is central to The Westing Game because the contest creates and strengthens relationships between characters. Most heirs gain lifelong friends and personal growth, showing that these connections matter more than winning money.
What is the significance of chess in The Westing Game?
Chess in The Westing Game symbolizes the strategic moves and sacrifices characters make. The game’s structure mirrors chess, with Westing as the player and others as pieces, teaching lessons about foresight and self-discovery.
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