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.