A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

ACTIVITY 1: “To Life! The Portrait of the Old Man with Enormous Wings”

Create a visual image that depicts the old man with enormous wings. Remember that this story is a piece of magical realism, so it is possible to view the man as a lost and fallen angel, or a mortal with the qualities of a fallen angel. When you think of this image, what comes to mind?

• Step 1: Complete the following brainstorming outline to piece together your imaginings of the character:

Is this character a literal angel or a mortal? Explain why you’ve made this decision.

Who or what does this character remind you of?

Quote the text for the character’s physical characterizations.

Quote the text for the character’s non-physical characterizations.

Describe your image of the character in your own words.

• Step 2: You may use any mode of artistic expression to depict your representation of the character. Make sure to include identifying characteristics that would help a viewer identify your image of the character as the old man with enormous wings.
• Step 3: Write a paragraph to explain your interpretive decisions.