Write a three paragraph essay. The story "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" retold by Elisa Oh is a folktale and "Don't Count Your Chickens" by Diana C Conway is written in the style of a folktale.

Question

Paragraph 1- Write an introductory paragraph that identifies the main characters in The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don't Count Your Chickens. Tell what life lesson or important values the younger brothers in the two stories help the readers understand.
Paragraph 2- Explain how the qualities or values of the younger brothers in the stories are different from those of their older brothers. Use details from the stories to contrast the character traits and points of view of the younger brothers with those of their older brothers.
Paragraph 3- Explain what you think the authors want readers to learn from the younger brothers in the stories. Tell how the plot events and the authors' use of language and literary devices to support your ideas. End your paragraph with a sentence that restates the lesson or values that the characters in the stories convey to readers.
Use details from the story to support your ideas in the essay.

Answer 1

In the folktale "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," retold by Elisa Oh, the main characters are two brothers: the wise younger brother who helps the swallow and the careless older brother who dismisses the swallow's plight. In "Don't Count Your Chickens" by Diana C. Conway, the younger brother seeks to protect his dreams from his older brother's overconfidence. Both younger brothers exemplify important life lessons about humility, patience, and the value of careful planning. They guide readers to understand that success often comes from thoughtful consideration rather than rash actions or overconfidence, showcasing the significance of wisdom over bravado.

The younger brothers in both stories display qualities such as empathy and prudence, contrasting sharply with their older siblings, who embody recklessness and arrogance. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," while the older brother treats the swallow’s distress with indifference, the younger brother shows compassion and takes action to help her, ultimately leading to a beneficial outcome. Similarly, in "Don't Count Your Chickens," the younger brother remains cautious in the face of his older brother’s zealous promises about the future. The older brother’s attitude reveals a lack of foresight, as he counts his chickens before they hatch, while the younger brother embodies a more grounded perspective, urging careful consideration and patience. This dichotomy highlights the differences in character traits and positions between the two sets of brothers, reinforcing the value of thoughtful behavior over exuberance.

The authors of both stories want readers to understand the importance of wisdom, humility, and foresight in achieving true success. Through plot events—such as the younger brother rescuing the swallow and reminding his sibling to consider the consequences of their actions—the narratives illustrate how patience and careful planning often lead to favorable outcomes. The repetitive caution in the language used by both authors serves to emphasize the lessons learned through the experiences of the younger brothers. Ultimately, these stories convey that true wisdom comes from a balance of ambition and prudence, urging readers to internalize the idea that one should not count on successes before they are realized.