The Builders, The Family by Jacob Lawrence

Point – What are you saying about the painting Point – What are you saying about the painting? What message did you interpret? Evidence – What led you to your statement? What about the painting supports your point? Explain – Explain your evidence. Conclude your thought.

Jacob Lawrence’s “The Builders, The Family” In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus seems to be about the builders; however, the family is at the center. The family and the builders are connected in that the builders form an arch around the family and their building. The family’s movement suggests they are both working together, moving forward and building upward to make things better. The vibrant colors and positive facial expressions also reinforce the positive feel of the picture. Overall, Lawrence’s work highlights the constructive nature of community.

Jacob Lawrence’s “The Builders, The Family” In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus seems to be about the builders; however, the family is at the center. All are interconnected in that the builders form an arch around the family and their building. The family’s movement suggests they are both working together, moving forward and building upward to make things better. The vibrant colors and optimistic facial expressions also reinforce the positive feel of the picture. Overall, Lawrence’s work highlights the constructive nature of community.

Topic vs. Theme Topic: What the story is about (The “What”) Ambition Growing up Risk Taking Anger Happiness Self-improvement Attitude (Positive/Negative) Hardship Selfishness Harmony Self-reliance Beauty Hate Serenity Belief Heritage Sin Belonging Heroism Sisterhood Bravery Home Stinginess Brotherhood Honor Success Celebration Hope Survival Childhood Humility Temptation Compassion Identity Traditions Courage Impression Tranquility Cowardice Independence Trust Cruelty Individualism Tyranny Culture Injustice Unhappiness Daring Inspiration Values Death Jealousy Vanity Deception Judgment War Denial Justice Desire Kindness Determination Loneliness Devotion Loss Discovery Materialism Dreams Modesty Duty Nature Endurance Nobility Evil Outsider Failure Patience Fairness Patriotism Faith Perseverance Family Persistence Fear Power Flattery Prejudice Forgiveness Pride Freedom Race relations Friendship Rejection Generations Resentment Generosity Respect Getting ahead Resourcefulness Greed Revenge Topic: What the story is about (The “What”) Theme: The story’s deeper meaning (The “So What”) Growing up Part of growing up is learning how to choose your battles.

Jacob Lawrence’s “Brownstones”

Your Turn! Complete an analysis paragraph based on “Brownstones” Point – What are you saying about the painting? What message did you interpret? Don’t forget to use T-A-G! (Title, Author/Artist, Genre) For example, In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus…. Evidence – What led you to your statement? What about the painting supports your point? Explain – Explain your evidence. Conclude your thought.