Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is the influence of art on individuals in society? How can art be a helpful form of therapy?

Teaching Suggestion: Doug, the novel’s protagonist, moves to Marysville, New York, after his abusive father loses his job. Doug learns to cope with his new surroundings when Mr. Powell, the librarian, suggests that Doug attempt to draw copies of pictures from Audubon’s drawings in the library. Consider using these or similar resources to help students explore the benefits of art in healing emotional trauma:

• This article explores how art is used therapeutically for emotional trauma.
• This 4-minute video describes the benefits of art therapy.

Short Activity

Audubon’s drawings parallel Doug’s feelings in the novel. Look at the pictures and consider the emotions Doug may feel when looking at these images.

Teaching Suggestion: Doug is distressed when he learns Audubon’s drawings are being sold off to buyers one-by-one. Doug often sees his own feelings reflected in the drawings of Audubon’s birds. Consider exploring the Audubon renderings referenced in the novel and predicting what emotions Doug feels when he sees the drawings.