The Heartbreaking History of Mount Rushmore - Pre-Reading Worksheet 2

Native spirits: From guessing to understanding

1. The people.
Focus on the people shown in the sky.
a. Who might they be? Look at their clothing and hairstyles. 
b. What are they supposed to evoke or symbolize in relation to the faces carved in stone?

2. The composition of the picture.
a. What might their position in the sky above the monument suggest?
b. Compare the impression or feeling created by the stone carvings on the one hand, and by the faces in the sky on the other hand.

3. React to the picture.
a. In pairs, write 2-3 sentences explaining what message this image might convey.
b. How do you think the picture connects with the title of the article? What part of the image/story might be heartbreaking/controversial?