Portfolio: Analyzing Literary Text

Question

Write an Essay
The story The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed is a folktale and Don’t Count Your Chickens is written in the style of a folktale. In many folktales, some characters are rewarded for their positive qualities or values. Other characters are punished or do not have success due to their negative qualities or values. The characters and events teach the reader a lesson about life. What life lesson or important values do you think the younger brothers in the two stories help readers understand? Write a three-paragraph essay that tells your response.

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.

Answer 1

Analyzing Literary Text: The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed & Don’t Count Your Chickens

In the folktale "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" and the story "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the younger brothers emerge as pivotal characters who embody courage, resourcefulness, and an optimistic outlook. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the younger brother, who trusts in the swallow's promise, showcases faith and bravery, while in "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the younger brother displays a pragmatic and sensible approach to his dreams. Both brothers serve as foils to their older siblings, ultimately imparting vital life lessons about the power of resilience and the importance of valuing one's own strengths over mere appearances or assurances.

The contrasts between the younger and older brothers are stark and reveal profound truths about human character. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the older brother is skeptical and often dismissive, focusing on the risks and potential failures of their endeavors, while the younger brother, influenced by the swallow, exhibits an adventurous spirit that propels him into the unknown. Similarly, in "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the older brother is overconfident and shortsighted, loudly counting his future riches without recognizing the precariousness of his plans. In contrast, the younger brother remains grounded and practical, understanding that dreams must be nurtured with realistic expectations. This juxtaposition highlights how the younger brothers’ values of hope and practicality set them apart, allowing their characters to flourish in their journeys.

The authors of these stories utilize plot events and rich language to underscore the lessons taught by the younger brothers. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the younger brother's unwavering faith in the swallow’s guidance culminates in a self-fulfilling journey that rewards him with fortune and wisdom; the careful unfolding of events emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts. In "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the fallout from the older brother's hubris serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the message that dreaming without a balanced approach can lead to disappointment. Through vivid imagery and engaging storytelling, both tales champion traits such as resilience, adaptability, and a well-calibrated sense of ambition. Ultimately, these characters remind readers that embracing a blend of hope and realism is vital for achieving true success in life's endeavors.