From the Mixed-up Files II

You have read the novel From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. As you know, this is a story of a brother and sister who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In their quest to return home "different", they find themselves in the middle of a mystery that they must solve in order to return home "different". You will now do some in depth research on several topics related to the story.

One of the best ways to understand a character in a book is to try to "get inside their head". Imagining that you are Jamie or Claudia will provide motivation for the tasks you are about to complete. You will be using some research skills as well as your own creativity. Good luck. Let's get started.

Here are the pieces of the puzzle you will be completing in order to have a better understanding of your character:

The Process

1. You will create a missing poster for either Claudia or Jamie. You will find accurate clothing and body characteristics in chapters 1 and 2 of your book. Draw your missing poster on paper that you can get from your teacher.

2. Write your own runaway plan. Claudia said that planning was half the fun of running away. See if you agree. Be sure to include your destination, escape plan (so that you aren't caught), provisions (remember that you must be able to carry it all), runaway companion (if any), financial plan, etc. (Download Form) 

3. Let's take a look at the present by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the year 2000.  Visit their special exhibitions section and write a paragraph about an exhibit you would be interested in seeing. Make a copy of the floor plans (in English or Spanish). Trace Claudia and Jamie's route through the museum on the first day. Draw in special places connected with the book. For example the bed they slept in, the fountain they bathed in, the restrooms they hid in. Finally visit the museum store and make a list of items you would want to buy if you had $300.00.

4. You will begin your computer search with a study of the famous artist Michelangelo by visiting michelangelo.com/buonarroti.html. At this site you will find a short biography of his life along with a list of his famous works. After reading about this "missing character" from the story, write a short essay describing the life of Michelangelo and his accomplishments.

You will then view several of Michelangelo's most famous works. Discuss with your literature group your impressions of his sculptures and paintings, particularly the Sistine Chapel. Compare and contrast two of the pieces. Does he use any recurring themes? Your project for this section will be a watercolor painting of a section of the Sistine Chapel. (At this link, scroll down the page until you reach "Museums and Public Art Galleries") Here is a photograph of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

You will tape the paper to the bottom of your desk and paint while lying on your back, just like Michelangelo did.

5. The last scene in the book shows Claudia and Jamie returning home, but doesn't allow you to see or hear the reunion. You and your literature group will write your own ending. Use the format used to write a play. Write in only the characters who appear in this scene in the book. You will required to act out your scene. Now it's time to have a little fun. Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Mixed-up Files book according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Keep your floor plan handy as you check out this site.

Play the Mixed-up Files games to finish up your quest.

Designed by
Kathy Jones
Indianapolis Public School #96
Jones3353@aol.com

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