Exploring Characters and Themes in the Cremation of Sam McgGee

Narrative Q & A InterviewScript

For this assessment, you will pretend you are interviewing the protagonist, antagonist, and author of the narrative text you selected and read in this module. Remember that for this module you read a narrative text provided to you by your instructor. After completing the Narrative Q & A script based on your reading, you will select one of three presentation options to present your Narrative Q & A interview. Each presentation option has an audio and visual component.

Interview Questions: Protagonist

In 2-3 sentences, tell me about yourself. I am a prospector. I encountered Sam during our search of Klondike gold. I wanted to ensure that he felt as comfortable as possible at the end. What was your climax, when you had to make a decision, or you reached a turning point?  Once Sam died, I had to follow through on my promise to him. I made the decision to burn his body on the old boat.

Would you describe yourself as static or dynamic? Why?

I consider myself to be a dynamic character. I changed and grew through my experiences with Sam and proved I could do something difficult for a friend. I'm a different person at the end of this experience.

How did the setting of the story affect you?

The Yukon isn’t a friendly place. It was cold and harsh, and few got lucky finding gold. But friendship got us through.

Interview Questions:Antagonist

In 2-3 sentences, tell me about yourself.  

I'm the promise the narrator made to Sam McGee. I haunt him after Sam's death. Between the cold and cremation, I'm a hard promise to keep.

What problem(s) did you create for the protagonist? 

The narrator promised and had to fulfill it. That was the issue- coping with fear, cold and guilt.

Author

The Cremation of Sam McGee” is about friendship and keeping a promise. Sam, a prospector from Tennessee, dies in the cold Yukon. The narrator has to cremate Sam’s body per his last request. Though he struggles with this, he keeps the promise. After burning the body, he imagines seeing Sam’s ghost, happy again. The poem blends dark humor and warmth.

What are two themes in your narrative? How did you develop them?  

One theme is the futility of chasing unreachable goals, like gold. Another is that promises must be honored. I showed this through Sam’s death and the narrator's tough choice to fulfill his wish.

Tell me about a symbol that’s present in your narrative.

The stars symbolize guidance and direction in a tough journey. They appear when something important is happening.

Which archetype(s) appear in your narrative?

The narrator is the Everyman, and the plot follows the Quest archetype.

How would you describe the mood of your narrative?  

I want readers to feel triumphant. The narrator endures fear, cold, and death but ultimately keeps his word and overcomes his doubts.

Part 2: Narrative Q & A Presentation

Select one of the following options for presenting your Narrative Q & A interview:

Option 1: Podcast

1. Record your Narrative Q & A Script with your book's protagonist, antagonist, and author.
2. Title your podcast.
3. Create a symbolic image that could serve as a thumbnail advertisement for your podcast.
4. Submit your audio recording, image, and your Narrative Q & A Script.

Option 2: Slide Deck

1. Create four slides for your deck.
   1. A title slide, with the title of your novel, the author, and your name
   2. A slide containing an image and the protagonist Q & A
   3. A slide containing an image and the antagonist Q & A
   4. A slide containing an image and the author Q & A
2. Record audio on your slides OR present your interview to a trusted adult and complete the alternative audio rubric provided in the lesson.
3. Submit your four slides with audio or alternative audio rubric and your Narrative Q & A Script.

Option 3: Video Interview

1. Record yourself completing a mock interview. You may read from your Narrative Q & A Script. Remember you may choose to play all parts, or you may opt to include friends or relatives to portray the protagonist, antagonist, or author.
2. Submit your video (with audio) and your Narrative Q & A Script.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Title: Narrative Q & A InterviewScript

Objective:
The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate comprehension and critical engagement with a selected narrative text. Students are required to create a Q&A script by interviewing the protagonist, antagonist, and author, exploring character perspectives, themes, symbols, archetypes, and narrative mood.

Key Requirements:

1. Interview Creation:

   • Develop questions and answers for the protagonist, antagonist, and author.

   • Questions must explore character development, plot turning points, themes, symbols, archetypes, and narrative mood.

2. Presentation Options:

   • Podcast: Record audio with all characters; create a symbolic thumbnail image.

   • Slide Deck: 4 slides with title, protagonist, antagonist, and author Q&A; add audio narration.

   • Video Interview: Mock interview recording; may include friends or relatives to represent characters.

3. Content Criteria:

   • Protagonist Q&A: Personal background, climax/turning point, character type (static/dynamic), impact of setting.

   • Antagonist Q&A: Self-description, problems created for protagonist.

   • Author Q&A: Themes, symbols, archetypes, mood, narrative analysis.

4. Learning Outcomes Covered:

   • Demonstrate understanding of narrative elements.

   • Analyze character development and motivations.

   • Interpret thematic and symbolic elements.

   • Communicate insights effectively via chosen presentation medium.

Academic Mentor Approach

1. Understanding the Assessment:

   • The mentor explained the objective: to engage deeply with the narrative text and create a multi-perspective Q&A.

   • Discussed the learning outcomes and ensured the student understood expectations for content, analysis, and presentation style.

2. Planning the Q&A Script:

   • Guided the student in identifying key characters (protagonist, antagonist) and author insights.

   • Brainstormed potential questions focusing on character development, plot turning points, themes, and narrative techniques.

3. Drafting Responses:

   • The mentor assisted in drafting 2–3 sentence character introductions and reflective answers for each question.

   • Ensured responses reflected critical thinking, understanding of narrative context, and connection to theoretical concepts (e.g., archetypes, themes, mood).

4. Reviewing and Editing:

   • Provided feedback on clarity, structure, and depth of analysis.

   • Checked for logical flow and consistency across protagonist, antagonist, and author responses.

   • Suggested integration of supporting textual evidence to strengthen answers.

5. Choosing Presentation Format:

   • Discussed the pros and cons of each option (podcast, slide deck, video).

   • Helped student plan the visual and audio components, including thumbnails, slides, and mock interview setup.

6. Finalization and Submission:

   • Ensured all scripts and media files were complete and polished.

   • Verified learning outcomes were demonstrated: comprehension of narrative, character analysis, thematic exploration, and communication skills.

   • Checked alignment with academic integrity guidelines.

Outcome Achieved

• The student produced a comprehensive Narrative Q&A Script covering all required elements: character analysis, themes, symbols, archetypes, and narrative mood.

• The chosen presentation medium effectively communicated insights, with clear audio and/or visuals enhancing understanding.

• The process reinforced learning objectives, including narrative comprehension, critical thinking, reflective analysis, and professional communication.

Learning Objectives Covered:

1. Deep understanding of protagonist, antagonist, and author perspectives.

2. Critical analysis of narrative themes, symbols, and archetypes.

3. Application of theoretical concepts to narrative analysis.

4. Effective oral and visual communication of insights.

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