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Mother Theresa once said, We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. With that quote in mind, each student will compose an essay that identifies the lessons learned and discusses the meaning of Frank Capra's classic holiday film, It's a Wonderful Life. (1946)

This digital writing assignment is worth 100 points and due Friday; 1/4. Remember to use your viewing journal, additional notes from class discussions, and the resource links below when working on this essay. MLA citation is not required for this extended writing activity.

When you are ready to start working, click on the link at the bottom of this page. You must then click on your initials which will open a new page where you will post your response. Please remember to save your work before you close the document and always sign out when you are done working on a Wiki assignment.

The essay should begin with an attention-getting introduction that reveals your theme and prepares the reader for your response. You must incorporate a related quote and at least one concept word in your introductory paragraph.

Start a new paragraph and explain the message or moral of the film. You must provide evidence to support your explanation. You will need to describe specific scenes from the movie and reference significant movie dialogue along with the names of the characters who spoke those words. Your viewing journal and the resource links below will be very helpful for this paragraph.

Start a new paragraph and discuss the meaning of either the Mother Theresa or William Wordworth quote. You must also clearly explain how the quote you selected is related to the message and theme of the movie.

Start a new paragraph and identify an appropriate contemporary song (meets DCP standard) that would be suitable for the movie soundtrack, if the film were to be released today. You must explain why your song selection is appropriate and how the lyrics and/or song title exemplify and illustrate the meaning and message of the movie. Be sure to quote specific lyrics in your response and please embed the song's music video (must be appropriate) below your essay.

Conclude your essay by discussing/explaining why you believe this movie remains popular with viewers today and continues to appeal to audiences more than 60 years after it was first released? (Remember to limit use of the word "I" when stating your opinion. )

The resource links below include the AFI 100 Years web site, the "It's a Wonderful Life" script and the "It's a Wonderful Life" web page at the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) where you will find a cast list, synopsis, plot summary, memorable quotes and other helpful resources...

It's a Wonderful Life

AFI's 100 Years - 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Times

It's a Wonderful Life Script

It's a Wonderful Life Lesson Plans: Activities Related to Film and Stage Musical


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