Throughout the course, we have read pieces that revolve around movement and its actions in relation to behavior. In this final project I plan to explore the specifics of the black body in motion throughout time and place from the novels we have read. The characters from the various novels we have read all display some form of living in pain or living around pain, thus altering their behaviors around such settings. Ultimately, I am curious to analyze the movement between characters and the influence it has on their behavioral expressions and emotional reactions. How does a physical presence influence an attitude or tone? Does physical presence impact interpersonal relationships and communications? I plan to examine the character Rodney with primary focus of section two of Tayari Jones’ “Leaving Atlanta.” By focusing in on the closeness and proximity of the limited spaces of where Rodney goes to, readers are able to unpack so much in such a small amount of time.
The primary take will likely be under the formal analytical view in the form of a newsletter. Addressing point A to point B from the text to communicate a direct message to a range of audiences. Perhaps an audience that may not have read “Leaving Atlanta.” This will ultimately break down the narrative and “introduce” the themes to be unfolded throughout the rest of the project.
Take two will continue to the platform of a website (blog layout). It will hone in on the questions I plan to address through the scholarly view. Unlike the newsletter, this will allow for me to communicate my project’s questions concisely and effectively. By addressing significant details and examples from the texts under a critical lens, it will allow me to provide substantial information to back up my project’s overall message.
The final take is to allow an audience to view the project’s themes through artistic representation. A collage format will provide a different perspective than the written format of the first two forms. By capturing the overall themes visually as the last take allows for everything to come together.
In order to achieve the ideas for these forms, content will be primarily drawn from “Leaving Atlanta.” While Rodney’s character is of focus, it may be helpful to draw comparison to Tasha and Octavia. How their experiences and actions during the 1979 Atlanta child murders greatly differed from Rodney’s. What differences occurred between the three characters actions versus what similarities they shared. Before beginning the project, necessary steps will include circling back to the text and tracing all three children’s movement, actions, behavior, language, emotions, and reactions towards other individuals in order to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences they share with one another. Perhaps outlining a venn diagram to sort textual evidence and analysis from the novel. This is the first initial step in order to uncover the greater details of the themes I plan to address over the course of this project.