Unpacking the Legend: Deconstructing "Billy The Kid"

Analyze for Implied Meaning (What the author is actually saying)

The author presents Billy The Kid as a complex figure whose actions reflect broader themes of rebellion and the quest for identity in a turbulent society. Throughout the narrative, there are subtle hints that challenge the traditional hero narrative, suggesting that Billy's notoriety is both a product of his circumstances and a critique of the societal values that celebrate violence and lawlessness.

  • Identify what the author communicates implicitly and how it shapes the text's meaning.

  • Analyze structural decisions, the impact of humor and tragedy, and the layers of meaning in characters’ points of view.

  • Your task: choose one aspect of the novel to investigate and present findings clearly.

Group Project Framework

  • Form Your Detective Agency (Groups): teacher assigns a small group of literary investigators.

  • Choose Your Case File (Focus Area): select one lens to examine "The Collected Works of Billy The Kid":

    • Structural Secrets: analyze how Ondaatje structures a specific part of the text; focus on opening or closing of a section or story; how structure contributes to meaning and aesthetic impact.

    • The Comedy and Tragedy Files: examine comedic or tragic resolutions within particular narratives or the overall arc; assess impact on aesthetic quality and understanding of characters/events.

  • Gather Your Evidence: reread relevant sections; highlight key passages; take notes; discuss findings with the group; identify direct quotes.

Evidence Gathering

  • Revisit relevant sections of the work.

  • Note passages that illustrate the chosen focus.

  • Collect textual evidence to support your analysis.

  • Discuss findings with the group to refine interpretations.

Develop Your Theory

  • Analyze the significance of the gathered evidence.

  • Identify patterns and recurring motifs that communicates the author’s purpose (what they’re saying about the kind of person Billy was)

  • Draw conclusions about the author’s choices and their impact on the text. (Does it work? Why or why not?

Plan Your Presentation

  • Choose a presentation format (or propose one for approval):

    • Literary Breakdown Presentation: visually engaging, uses textual evidence.

    • Thematic Exhibit: museum-style display with quotes and explanations.

    • Analytical Podcast/Video Essay: audio or video piece with supporting examples.

  • Regardless of format, clearly explain the analysis and reference specific evidence from the text.

Deliverable Construction

  • Create the chosen artifact collaboratively.

  • Ensure all group members contribute meaningfully.

Present Your Findings

  • Share analysis with the class.

  • Be prepared to answer questions and discuss interpretations.

  • Demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives with textual support.

Process Reminders

  • Collaborate effectively: share ideas, listen, allocate tasks fairly.

  • Think critically: probe deeper implications of authorial choices.

  • Support claims with evidence: cite specific passages.

  • Be creative and thoughtful: choose a format that communicates understanding effectively.