Narrative Devices in Art

Final Activity and Discussion

Divide students into four small groups after completing the previous activities. Assign each group a different narrative device: continuous narrative, image and text, symbols, and story illustration. Give each group the same short story or song to depict using their assigned narrative device. After the production activity, ask student to consider the following questions:

1. Which narrative device worked best for this particular story or song? Why?
2. What other story or song would lend itself to your group’s narrative device?
3. What similarities did you see in the various narratives? What were some differences?

Kristina E. Mitchell is Education Services Coordinator at the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas. Amanda Martin-Hamon is the former Docent Program Coordinator at the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas. Maura Coleman-Murray is an art instructor at Blue Valley High School, Overland Park, Kansas.

References

• Burt, S.L. (1989, December). Karasumaru Mitsuhiro handscroll. Orientations, 66-69.
• Callmann, E. (1991-92). Roman virtue and Renaissance marriage. The Register of the Spencer Museum of Art, VI, (8&9), 21-35.
• Lawless, R. (1961). Thomas Hart Benton’s Jealous Lover and Its Musical Background. The Register of the Spencer Museum of Art, II, (6), 32-38.
• Paden, W.D. (1958). La Pia de’ Tolommei. The Register of the Spencer Museum of Art, II, (1), 3-47.

Endnote

A slide set of the four images is available for $5. Posters of La Pia and Ballad of the Jealous Lover of Lone Green Valley are available for $18 each, includes shipping & handling. Please make checks payable to the Spencer Museum of Art and send to Spencer Museum of Art, Education Department, The University of Kansas, 1301 Mississippi Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7500.