In Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Podres 4th grade classroom, students are reading about the captivating world of Tiger Rising. This moving novel, filled with symbolism and metaphor, sparked discussions about the concept of captivity and the emotional cages that bind us.
At the heart of the story lies a literal cage, a physical enclosure holding a majestic tiger. Yet, the novel extends beyond this tangible confinement, exploring the more subtle, psychological cages that ensnare its characters.
One character, Rob, finds himself trapped in a figurative cage, a prisoner of his own emotions. Students pondered the nature of this imprisonment, offering insightful observations.
“It’s like there is a suitcase of emotions in Rob’s head that is trapping him,” said Lucy Popa, 4th grade student.
Students discussed the difference between physical and emotional confinement. Working in small groups, the students wrote down each character in the book discussing what their cage was and the key to unlock their difficulties.
Through these group discussions, students uncovered the layered nature of captivity, realizing that individuals can be confined by a variety of factors, such as fear, grief, or expectations.
By examining the concept of cages in Tiger Rising, students not only deepened their understanding of the novel but also gained insights into their own lives and those of others. They learned to recognize the subtle ways in which emotions can limit their freedom and to appreciate the importance of breaking free from these mental cages.