We will first review the definition and concept of an allegory, including the process of analyzing both the literal meaning of a text (text = book, movie, TV show, video game, poetry, song, music video, etc.) and the hidden meaning, otherwise known as the figurative or symbolic meaning of a text.
Students will then watch a music video for a song called This is America by Childish Gambino (Donald Glover). As they watch, the goal will be to first identify the literal elements of the story, including a basic summary, and other elements in the video. We will next read an article that discusses some of the symbolic or hidden meaning in Gambino's music video and students will then chart these elements on an allegory study worksheet. We will then discuss various elements of the music video and what they could symbolize. Finally, students will re-watch the video, to "see" the video with their new allegorical perspectives.
Students will then watch a short TedEd video explaining the most famous allegory in human history, Plato's Allegory of the Cave. As they listen, the goal will be to first identify the literal meaning of the story, including a basic summary, the theme (the moral or lesson of the story), and literary elements such as characters and setting. After charting these elements, students will discuss possible figurative meanings (hidden meanings) of the story and will define the symbolic elements of the story.
Click here for the Buzzworthy article about Childish Gambino's music video This is America (including the music video, *warning: mature content*)
Click here for the Allegory worksheet for This is America and The Allegory of the Cave
Click here for the Allegory of the Cave TedEd video