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Insights
In a small group, create a web around the word Insights
What other words or ideas can you think of that relate to this word?
Our first set of short stories will be coming from the Insights unit in your textbook Crossroads
Insights
Using your knowledge of short stories (and the handout you have), what are some specific elements you may find in a short story?
What do the words character and plot mean?
What do you know about the elements of plot in a short story?
Who is a protagonist? Who is an antagonist?
Each of the stories that we are going to read in Insights, explore ideas, human experiences and emotions
The Crystal Stars Have Just Begun to Shine
What do you think our first story will be about?
Write out your predictions
Fourteen-year-old Deirdre is tired of being the centre of her father’s life. She and her boyfriend, Brad, decide to find her father a girlfriend, and they choose Rita, the
cashier at their local grocery store. When they stage a romantic encounter, the set-up unexpectedly works, and this comic short story ends with the possibility of romance
As you can see, the title of this story is symbolic
What is a symbol?
Read pages 60 – 66
When finished reading, complete the questions in the handout
The Crystal Stars Have Just Begun to Shine
Theme
How do you define Theme?
The theme of a story is what the protagonist discovers about life. Common examples of theme include the horror of war, loneliness, betrayal and the importance of family.
The subject of this story is how a daughter tries to make her father happy by finding him a partner. The theme, however, is what the main character or the reader, discovers about
life, or people by the end of the story.
In your opinion, what is the theme of this story?
The Crystal Stars Have Just Begun to Shine
Verb Tenses
Most short stories and novels are written in the past tense. The reasoning is that the action and events have taken place before the author began to write.
The author of The Crystal Stars Have Just Begun to Shine, Martha Brooks, uses the present tense.
Review the Handout Verb Tenses
When you have completed the work on the above handout, choose a paragraph (that has at least four lines) from the story and rewrite in the past tense.
This will be due by the end of class
The Crystal Stars Have Just Begun to Shine
Characterization
Author’s often reveal the personalities of characters through description, direct speech and actions.
Find at least two of each of these in the story:
Use a chart like the one below to keep track of your findings:
Descriptions Direct Speech Actions
Description: the father has soft hair
Direct Speech: “What’s wrong with my purple pants?”
Shows he is unaware of the current fashions
Actions: Watching TV reruns alone late at night shows that he likes to spend time alone
What is Plot?
Plot is the plan of action in the story. Many modern short stories do not have well-defined plot. However, those that do, generally follow a plot plan such as this:
Introduces Setting and Characters
Describes basic Problem or Conflict
Point of Highest Tension
Plot Structure of the Short Story
1. Introduction• gives background information such as setting, character, and
the position in which the character finds himself/herself
2. Initial Incident• catches the reader’s interest and makes him/her want to read
further • this is the conflict
3. Rising Action• a series of complications arise• characters face or try to solve a problem• suspense develops gradually
4. Climax
• high point of interest in the story
• the story reaches a crucial moment in which the character must act
5. Falling Action
• explores the consequences of the climactic decision
• tension in the story begins to ease up
6. Conclusion
• resolution
• the story’s conflict is resolved
• the reader is left with a sense of completeness
Subplot•a secondary plot that is in addition to the main plot•can reflect and enhance the action of the main plot•can influence the direction of the main plot•can provide comic relief•often involve supporting characters besides the protagonist or antagonist of the main plot
Warby Timothy Findley
What images or words do you think of when you hear the word:
WAR
Are there any positives messages or stories that come out of war?
Story Summary:
Neil Cable, the narrator, explains why a certain photo was taken in 1940, soon after his father joined the army. Neil describes his hurt and anger at his father’s enlistment – how
he tried to hide and fought with his father. Both comic and moving, this short story dramatizes a young boy’s complex reaction to his father’s leaving, in language that
accurately portrays the character’s growth and confusion.
Read pages 70 – 83
When finished reading, complete the questions in the handout
Plot Structure of War
by Timothy Findley
After writing the title and author, briefly and neatly, summarize the plot structure of this short story on the handout provided
1. Introduction
2. Initial Incident
3. Rising Action
4. Climax
5. Falling Action
6. Conclusion
Subplot
Plot Structure of Warby Timothy Findley
Briefly and neatly, summarize one of the sub-plots that existed in this short-story
Point of View
What am I referring to when I want to know what ‘point of view’ a story is being told?
Point of view is the perspective from which the story is seen or told
Were going to look at four different points of view that stories could be told in
(All of what we are reviewing today is from your handout – If you can’t find the handout, you are to write these in your notes!)
Point of View
Omniscient
This point of view reveal the minds of several or all characters, knowing and telling from an ‘all-seeing’, God-like point of
perspective, ‘outside’ of the story.
The story is written in the third person using, “he”, “she” or “they”.
Point of View
Limited Omniscient – Third Person Narration
Here, the author is limited to only one character, about whom he/she knows all. It shows us what one character thinks and feels from the
perspective of someone ‘outside’ the story.
The story is written in the third person.
Point of View
First Person Narration
This point of view features the protagonist telling his/her own story directly to the reader using first person (“I”). This point of view tells us what the main character thinks and feels from a vantage
point ‘inside’ the story and the protagonist.
Point of View
Objective
The author tells the story as he/she sees or hears it. The feelings of the character are not explored, nor does the author try to interpret
the character.
The story is written in the third person narrative.
Of these four points of view, which was WAR told in?
Provide evidence.
War
Adverbs
What is an adverb?
Adverbs qualify verbs (action words), adjectives (words that describe nouns) or other adverbs by answering questions such as how, when, where, to what extent or how often.
With these examples, choose which word is the adverb:
The first draft of my essay is written neatly in pencil.
I have to sharpen my pencil now.
Here is the pencil sharpener.
By using an electric pencil sharpener, I can make my pencil extremely sharp.
With a sharp pencil, I can write my next draft very neatly.
With a partner, reread parts of the story to locate example of adverbs
Review the Handout Adverbs
This will be due… Soon!
Warby Timothy Findley
Characterization
Using the father and Neil, make a list of at least three of their characteristics each, with evidence from the story of how you know
this to be true.
For Example: Neil
Characteristic: Unaware of his surroundings
Evidence: Not knowing why many of the neighbours and the police had shown up in the morning
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
Responding to the Story:
1. What are some similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between this story and “War”?
2. Why do you think Peter’s father offers to help look for the penny?
3. Why did Peter’s father keep the penny?
Why did he keep it in the upper vest pocket of his good suit? Explain
4. Why do you think Peter left the penny in his father’s suit?
Would you have done the same thing? Why or why not?
5. Would you describe this story as ‘moving’ or ‘sentimental’? Why?
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
A Character Sketch
Write a character sketch of Peter
For each characteristic you identify, include supporting evidence from the story
You are responsible for completing a chart similar to the one below with at least three to four different characteristics:
Peter
Characteristic Evidence
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
Beginning a Paragraph: A Chunk
The smallest unit of unified thought in an essay
Sentence #1 – Topic Sentence (TS)
Sentence #2 – Concrete Detail (CD)
Sentence #3 – Commentary (CM)
Sentence #4 – Commentary (CM)
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
A Paragraph
A unit of unified thought in an essay
Sentence #1 – Topic Sentence (TS)
Sentence #2 – Concrete Detail (CD)
Sentence #3 – Commentary (CM)
Sentence #4 – Commentary (CM)
Sentence #5 – Concrete Detail (CD)
Sentence #6 – Commentary (CM)
Sentence #7 – Commentary (CM)
Sentence #8 – Concluding Sentence (CS)
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
Character Sketch: Paragraph
Using your ‘characteristics’ chart and ‘Shaping Sheets’, organize and begin to write a character sketch of Peter in paragraph form
Start with “Chunks”, followed by an eight sentence paragraph
Penny in the Dustby Ernest Buckler
‘Wrap-Up’ Paragraph
Write one sentence about a ‘treasure’ someone gave you or something special someone did for you
Then…
Chart a (CD/CM/CM/) of what that person is/was like and turn it into an eight sentence paragraph
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Preview Vocabulary
Write the following words in your notes, leaving room for their definitions
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Beleaguered
Spasmodically
Ascetic
Draught
Parapet
Turret
Paroxysm
Wadding
Ruse
Silhouetted
Gibber
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Beleaguered
Troubled or harassed
Spasmodically
In sudden bursts
Ascetic
Severe – No frills - Discipline
Draught
British for checkers
Same as ‘draft’ - a selection or drawing of persons, by lot or otherwise, from the general body of the people for military service
Parapet
Wall or elevation of earth to protect soldiers
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
TurretA “tower”
Paroxysm
A sudden attack, like a fit of coughing (or emotion)
Wadding
A soft material for stuffing, padding, packing, etc.
Ruse
A Trick
Silhouetted
The outline or general shape of something
Gibber
Rapid foolish talk
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Responding to the Story:
1. Reread the first paragraph. What details in the author’s description of the setting establish the tone or atmosphere of the story?
2. What message about this civil war is the author trying to convey?
How does his message compare to the theme in “War”?
3. What are some words or phrases the author uses to describe the sniper and what he’s doing?
4. The sniper is the only character the author describes in great detail. Why do you think the author chose to do that?
5. Were you surprized by the ending? Why or why not? Did you find it a powerful ending?
6. Do you think such a story could occur in Canada? Why or why not?
Complete the questions in the handout
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Irony
What am I referring to when I say something is ironic?
Irony is based on a difference, contrast or opposition
It comes in three main forms:
Verbal Irony
Situational Irony
Dramatic Irony
(All of what we are reviewing today is from your handout – If you can’t find the handout, you are to write these in your notes!)
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Irony
Verbal Irony
The words stated are not meant to be taken literally. Their real or intended meaning is almost directly opposite to their literal meaning.
It is saying one thing but meaning another
Example?
It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Irony
Situational Irony
The outcome of events is the reverse of what is expected. The irony is due to the circumstances or situation rather than the words
Example?
Olympic swimmer drowns in bathtub
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Irony
Dramatic Irony
The speaker is unaware of events, but the audience understands what is happening. The audience knows more. As a result, the
words spoken have a greater significance for the audience than they do for the character speaking them
Example?
In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo thinks Juliet is dead. The audience is fully aware that Juliet is asleep. This is dramatic irony because the
audience has knowledge about Juliet’s situation, whereas Romeo does not have the same insight
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Irony
In a short paragraph, explain which of the three forms of irony “The Sniper” portrays; include examples.
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Vivid VerbsWords are all an author can use to create images and events in the reader’s mind.
Verbs are especially useful because they help the reader to picture the action.
Here are two examples from “The Sniper”:
Almost immediately, a bullet flattened itself against the parapet of the roof
Then taking out his field dressing, he ripped open the packet with his knife
Why is the first example more vivid than simply writing:
“… a bullet hit the parapet of the roof”?
What does “ripped” in the second example tell you about the state of the sniper’s mind?
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
Conflict, Character and Theme
List the ‘public’ and ‘personal’ conflicts experienced by the protagonist in “The Sniper”
How does the protagonist’s reaction to these conflicts reveal his character?
How do these conflicts relate to the theme of the story?
Be sure to locate and use specific evidence from the story to support your answers
Even though short stories focus on particular characters facing particular problems in particular settings, they very often have a theme that goes beyond the particular to the
universal.
In a small group, discuss the ideas in the story and decide if these ideas are true for many people in many places and times
Can you relate these ideas to one or more events in the news in the past year?
The Sniperby Liam O’Flaherty
A Factual Report
Imagine you are the main character in “The Sniper.”
You’ve just returned to your company and have been asked to write a report about what happened.
List the events in the story in order they occurred.
Use a complete sentence for each event.
Because this is an official report, leave out how you felt or what you thought – just include the facts as you saw them.
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
Divide your paper into two columns, with one titled “Blue” and the other titled “White.”
On the right-hand side column, generate a list of emotions, items or ideas associated with the word blue
On the left-hand side column, develop a similar list for the word white
Blue White
Why do you think these two words / colours are juxtaposed*?
*To place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast
A young woman, returning home from living in the city, has intense memories of her childhood and life on a reserve
Read pages 92 – 95
Completing the questions in the handout when you’re finished
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
A symbol is a person, place, thing or event that stands for or represents something else.
For example?
A flag is a symbol of a nation
Requirements:
Author hints at symbolic importance through where it is placed in the story, how much it is emphasized and how often it is repeated
Represents something different than what it’s function is
Supported by the entire story
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
Symbols
Short Story Examples
Penny in the Dust
The penny is symbolic of something of real value, when in actuality, it has little value
Represents value of time with the son
Represents father’s caring for the son
Represents possibilities of money
War
The photo represents a significant memory
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
Symbols
Describe what you think a ‘door’ represents in the story
What does a ‘door’ symbolize to you?
What other symbols are used in the story?
What do you think the symbols mean to Lena?
What do they represent to you?
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
Symbols
“Do you have memories from your childhood that remain vivid in your mind? What makes them so special?”
Using the above questions, brainstorm some possible responses
When complete, use your pre-writing (your brainstorming) to draft and revise a short memoir
Choose a point of view to use that you think would most effectively communicate your vivid memory
Writing
Blue Against Whiteby Jeannette Armstrong
Svayamvaraby Suniti Namjoshi
Describe in your notebook a situation in which your accomplishments were not recognized
How did you feel?
Using the name of the story and it’s definition on page 97, what do you think the story is about?
Read the story on page 97
Completing the questions in the handout when you’re finished
Svayamvaraby Suniti Namjoshi
Svayamvara has no illustration but uses design features such as colour to create interest
Create or find a suitable illustration or photo suitable for this design that reflects the story
You may use other books or print something online, but be certain to include a brief explanation as to why you chose the illustration or
photograph that you did
We will be reviewing and posting some of these tomorrow
Homework
Theme
What is a theme?
The theme is the central idea of the story, usually implied rather than directly stated.
It is a generalization about life and human nature.
Theme is usually universal.
That is, it applies to all people at all times.
It should not be confused with a lesson or moral.
Whereas a lesson or a moral serves to teach, theme is a writer’s understanding about a particular truth of life.
Theme creates a story; a story creates a moral
Implications / Inferences
Implications imply something
For example, particular events in a story may imply something through ‘logic’ about a character that is not clearly stated
Examples?
Inferences are conclusions arrived from facts or evidence
How is this different than an implication?
Hunches / Red Herrings
What does the word ‘hunch’ mean?
A hunch is a feeling or impression that something is about to happen
What about a ‘red herring’… What does this mean?
This is when an author distracts the reader from a more important event in the plot
Why would an author use red herrings?
Red herrings allow for the author to confuse or mislead the audience, often leading to a ‘twist’ in the story
Suspense
What does it mean when a story has suspense?
A feeling of tension, anxiety or excitement resulting from uncertainty
Why does an author use suspense? Examples?
An author creates suspense to keep the reader interested!
Stainsby Sharon MacFarlane
Read the story on page 193 - 195
Completing the questions in the handout when you’re finished
Stainsby Sharon MacFarlane
What do we mean by the word ‘lifestyle’?
What we do
What we have
What is important
Who we try to please
Who/what we spend our time and money on
Our goals/choices
Stainsby Sharon MacFarlane
What influences our choice of lifestyle?
Others’ opinions
How much time and money we have
TV
Radio
Media
Stainsby Sharon MacFarlane
Complete the Media Messages assignment
We will have library time – today and tomorrow – to complete the assignment
Each of your responses need to be word processed
A title page should be included when you hand this in, which should have the title of the assignment and the names of all the group
members
This will be due on…Wednesday
To Build a Fireby Jack London
A man travels across the Yukon wilderness with his dog, determined to reach his companions’ camp. While he realizes that the bitter cold – 75 degree’s below zero – is unusual, his pride and lack of
imagination blind him to the danger of this journey.
Read the story on page 99 - 113
Completing the questions in the handout when you’re finished
To Build a Fireby Jack London
In “To Build a Fire,” Jack London not only tells his story convincingly and entertainingly, he also expresses his feelings about
the North and how people react to it.
In a sentence, write what you think the author’s theme is
(Thesis)
List four examples from the story to support your view
(CD’s)
For each example, write two sentences that explains why it supports the author’s theme
(CM’s)
To Build a Fireby Jack London
Writing An Essay
If you look closely over the notes you just made, you have just written a rough outline for a short essay about the story’s theme
The sentence you wrote about the author’s theme is your thesis
(The thesis is the subject of an essay)
The sentences you wrote for the examples and their explanations are similar to the concrete details and commentary you need for writing
one - two paragraphs
You are to write a three paragraph essay about the story’s theme.
You are to have an introductory paragraph, one body paragraph and a concluding paragraph
To Build a Fireby Jack London
Writing An Essay
Introductory Paragraph:
No more than three sentences, which introduces the story, author and the thesis (theme)
Body Paragraph:
Using shaping sheets, begin writing your one paragraph (with eight sentences) that develop and prove your thesis
Concluding paragraph
A summary that is all commentary, gives a finish feel to your essay and does not repeat any key phrases
To Build a Fireby Jack London
Writing An Essay
Class time will be given today and Wednesday
A ‘neat’ copy will need to be turned in
Due: Thursday (March 12th)
Short Story Exam
Your short story final exam falls into four sections:
1. Multiple Choice (20 Marks)
Elements of short stories/sentence structure/parts of speech/proper essay format
2. Matching: Character Identification (15 Marks)
Match 15 different characters to the appropriate story
3. Matching: Quotation Identification (7 Marks)
Match 7 different quotations with the appropriate story
4. Reading Comprehension (23 Marks)
Read a story and answer seven questions
Written on Friday (March 13th)
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