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2008 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence

WebQuest

 

Overview:  In this WebQuest, you will learn about Appalachian Literature and the life and work of our 2008 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence, Adriana Trigiani.  You will also find several resources for relevant issues found in her novels.  As you work through this WebQuest, you’ll want to find the Appalachian/Italian connections that are so prevalent throughout °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s works.

Step 1:  What is Appalachia?

What is ?  What are the characteristics of ? Take a look at this to get an idea of what areas of the U.S. are located in the Appalachian region.  You may even enjoy planning a hiking trip on the ! 

Now, enjoy and take note of how Appalachian culture spills over into art and music.  Listen to three examples of Appalachian music:  , by Kyle Wooten; by Tom Ashley; and a banjo piece called “.  You can also browse this to listen to other audio clips.  Take a look at this Appalachian quilt collection.

Step 2: Learn about Shepherd’s Writer-in-Residence Program.

What is a Writer-in-Residence?  Check out the to see what the program is about and who our have been.  Be sure to take a look at the schedule and activities that have been planned around °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s visit, and make plans to attend one or more.  Print off or bookmark the schedule page so that you don’t miss this opportunity!  Also, learn more about the that is linked to the Writer-in-Residence program.  You may be interested in entering the competition next year. 

Step 3:  Who is Adriana Trigiani ?

Who is ?  Read about her and her rich background.  You may also want to peruse her which includes a biography, family history, photos, recipes, and much more! 

Locate her birthplace (and the inspiration for Queens of the Big Time) of .  you will read a brief history of Roseto. Roseto, Pennsylvania, is a to Roseto Valfortore in Italy.  

You’ll also want to explore .  Trigiani grew up here, and several of her works are set in this part of western Virginia.   For critical insights about °Õ¾±°ù²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s artistic life and works, see

Step 4:  Set the stage for reading °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s works. 

The Big Stone Gap Books

Review this site, a favorite of °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s regarding .  also has extensive information and several links regarding this important issue.  What does this site tell you about the Big Stone Gap books?    

You may also want to peruse this site about , which plays an important role in the novels.  Also, take a look at this .   In many of the books, you’ll read about trips and references to this area of Italy. 

 

The Queen of the Big Time

In addition to studying the Roseto site in “step 3” above, you may want to survey the following before reading.  Explore this site to learn about .  Read Eleanor Roosevelt’s essay in order to get an understanding of women’s status in the 1920s.

Lucia, Lucia and Rococo

As you prepare to read Lucia, Lucia, start with this .  Next, review this information about the in New York City.  You may find it useful to scan from “Ready to Wear Boom,” which explains the garment and fashion cultures of the 1950s and 1960s. 

You may also find that from Publisher’s Weekly offers you more information about °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s Italian American novels.

 Step 5:  Looking for additional resources and information to help you understand °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s fiction?

Here is the ; click on other teaching tools, the , and the on her writing and scholarship.  What do you learn about °Õ°ù¾±²µ¾±²¹²Ô¾±’s themes, narrative style, and writing process by looking at these resources?