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APA Citation
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Wisniewski, D. (1996). Golem. New York: Clarion Books.
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ISBN
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978-0-618-89424-6
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Rating
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5Q/4P
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Top 10
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no
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Media
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Color –Aid, Coral and Bark cut papers
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Grades/Subject
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8-10; comparative religions, English, history
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Annotation
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A Jewish ghetto is under siege, and the Golem is created of mud to protect the inhabitants. By experiencing the beauty of the world, the Golem discovers his own humanity.
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Element Illustration
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Soph. Language
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The Golem is born of mud and the sacred text of the Cabala, signifying the power of the Earth and the spirit. To compliment the intricate paper-cut artwork, the language is precise. For instance, the height of the conflict with the Golem: “Still, the rabble surged in, propelled by those in back. Golem took hold of the battering ram and, snapping it in two, raked great furrows in the crowd.”
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Theme
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The Golem’s quest for self is similar to the struggle from child to adult, according to Jewish culture. A child is born of blood from the parents, raised under the hand of the parents, and must confront the parents about their identity before becoming an adult. The Golem’s sole purpose, though, is to be a protector for the Jews, holding back the evil of ignorance and bringing harm to those who seek to destroy. In essence, the Golem is an overgrown mud-child, praised for having tantrums and scolded for going off task. When the Golem’s job is done, the Rabbi made the decision to cut the Golem’s life, never permitting it to become a full adult.
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sk 4.27.08
Lesson Plan (sk 5.4.08)
Teacher: me
Subject: English, comparative religions, world studies, art
Grade Level: 8+
Time Duration: Two class sessions
Objective: Evaluating myths, legends and faith-stories; creative writing/drawing
Overview: Create a graphic/text version of a myth, fable, faith-story or legend.
Lesson Design
Anticipatory Set (focus) – In The Manga Bible, Book of Shiva, American Born Chinese and The Golem, religious stories and cultural myths are told in graphic form. Of course, these stories were from all across the religious spectrum: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism. Every culture and every microcosm has its own myths, legends and stories from which it derives wisdom and understanding of the world.
Presentation – Using these examples as models, write out and/or draw a story from your culture. This assignment is not restricted to religious stories; you may use urban, community and historical legends (i.e., Washington chopping down the cherry tree).
Practice – During the first class, conduct a brainstorming session to create ideas for the class and allow the students to select their topics up-front. Practice outlining stories, character design and sketching.
Closure – During the second class meeting, students will present their work to the class.
Golem, by David Wisniewski. New York: Sandpiper, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0618894246
Annotation: A re-telling of the traditional story of a terrible creature created by a powerful rabbi to protect the Jewish people from persecution in 16th century Prague.
Illustrations: cut-paper collage
Curricular Use: 7th-9th grade; History, Folklore
4Q/4P
DM 7/5/09
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