First Person Narrative: The Geographic and Social Environments of Migrant Workers
Background: In Humanities and Englishyou have already investigated the Roaring 20’s, The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl and to some extent, migrant workers during this period. English students have witnessed Steinbeck’s interpretation of the plight of migrant workers in the text Of Mice and Men. Migrant workers continue to be a contentious issue today; in the United States, and the rest of the world.
Task: Do some further research into migrant workers. Look at lots of images (on line and in the library) of life as a migrant worker. Choose one situation that features migrant workers: their history, where they came from, where they went, what their lives are/were like, what their motivation for moving was.
Your task is to write a first person narrative from the point of view of a migrant worker during the Great Depression. It must be written and presented orally to the class. It should include all of the following:
- A clear and thoughtful “picture” of who your narrator is
- A clear history of this person’s struggle and life during this time
- Details of day to day events, work, family life, leisure, etc.
- A clear understanding of how this person’s life was affected by the environment, both geographical and social – how they ended up in their situation and how they handled it
- A distinct “voice,” appropriate to the character, time, and location
- At least 5 events in retrospect of events from the history of the time leading up to the Period (5 events you have discussed in Humanities
Your presentation should be between two and four minutes long. Think about including pictures, letters, items the narrator might have treasured or worked with, etc. Remember, you will BE your narrator as you deliver your presentation. Be creative, thoughtful, and serious in your approach. You will be assessed on English Criteria A and B, and Humanities B and D
Examples:
Image: ‘Freebird‘
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57038667@N00/1624383308
English As Pie 
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