Sure! Let’s go through your questions step-by-step.
Understanding Theme
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What is a theme?
- A theme is a central idea, message, or underlying meaning in a work of literature, art, or other forms of expression. A theme links a universal truth about our world with the action of a narrative.
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How is the theme different from the main idea or a summary of the story?
- The theme, main idea, and summary of a story are related concepts but serve different purposes. The main idea gives the primary focus of the narrative, while a summary provides a brief recount of the plot. The theme reflects deeper insights and universal truths derived from the narrative.
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Themes are _______________, meaning anyone can relate to them.
- Themes are universal, meaning anyone can relate to them.
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What theme is found in the story of Anansi the Spider (in the video)?
- Common themes in Anansi the Spider stories often involve cleverness, the value of storytelling, and the consequences of greed or deceit.
"He—y! Come on Ou—t!” by Shinichi Hoshi
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What is the theme in the story?
- A possible theme could involve the absurdity of human behavior or social expectations, as the story often reflects the unusual nature of social interactions.
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How does the surprise ending of the story contribute to the theme?
- The surprise ending may underscore the unpredictability of life and the irony of human assumptions, reinforcing the theme that appearances can be deceiving.
Plot Structure and Finding Nemo
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What are the five elements of plot?
- The five elements of plot are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
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In Finding Nemo, what is the exposition in the beginning of the story?
- The exposition introduces Marlin and his son Nemo, showcasing their life in the reef, the backstory of Marlin's overprotectiveness following the loss of his wife, and the introduction of Nemo’s physical disability.
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In Finding Nemo, what conflict occurs in the rising action?
- The rising action includes Nemo being captured by a diver, leading Marlin to embark on a journey to find and rescue him.
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What is the climax in Finding Nemo?
- The climax occurs when Marlin finally confronts the diver in the fish tank and has to face his fears to save Nemo.
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What happens in the falling action in Finding Nemo?
- The falling action involves Marlin and Nemo reuniting, where they overcome their fears and realize the importance of trust and independence.
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What is the resolution in Finding Nemo?
- The resolution shows Marlin learning to give Nemo more freedom, symbolizing growth in their relationship, and they return home together.
Flashbacks and Foreshadowing
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What is a flashback?
- A flashback is a narrative device that interrupts the chronological flow of the story to present events or memories from the past.
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Why do authors use flashbacks?
- Authors use flashbacks to provide context, deepen character development, or reveal important backstory that influences current events.
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What can the reader learn through a flashback scene?
- Readers can gain insights into characters’ motivations, past experiences, and relationships that shape their actions in the present.
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What is foreshadowing?
- Foreshadowing is a literary device used to hint at events that will occur later in the story.
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Why do authors use foreshadowing?
- Authors use foreshadowing to build anticipation, create suspense, and prepare the reader for future events in the narrative.
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Briefly explain the different types of foreshadowing:
- Concrete Foreshadowing: Specific details or events that predict future happenings.
- Prophesy Foreshadowing: Direct statements or hints of future events, often delivered by a character.
- Flashback Foreshadowing: When past events hint at or predict future outcomes.
- Symbolic Foreshadowing: Symbols or motifs that suggest what will happen later in the story.
- “Red Herring” Foreshadowing: Misleading clues that divert attention but lead to a surprise revelation.
Examples
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Watch this clip from The Lion King. What example of foreshadowing do you see?
- A notable example would be Mufasa's warnings to Simba about the dangers beyond the Pride Lands, suggesting future conflicts.
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Watch this clip from Ratatouille. What example of flashback do you see?
- A flashback may occur when Remy recalls his early experiences with food and his family, linking his past to his current aspirations.
Other Literary Concepts
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What is mood?
- Mood is the emotional atmosphere or feeling that a piece of literature evokes in the reader.
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What is setting?
- Setting refers to the time and place in which the story occurs, including the historical context and physical surroundings.
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What is structure?
- Structure refers to the arrangement or organization of a narrative, including how the plot is developed and how events are sequenced.
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______________ refers to not only the physical place where the story happens but also to the hour, day, season, or historical time period in which the story is set.
- Setting
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What is context?
- Context encompasses the circumstances surrounding events, including cultural, historical, and social factors that influence the story.
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The setting of the story may do the following:
- Establish the time and location, create atmosphere, influence character behavior, and provide background information relevant to the plot.
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What is a character?
- A character is an individual portrayed in a narrative, either as a protagonist, antagonist, or supporting figure.
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What are narrative techniques?
- Narrative techniques are methods employed by authors to tell a story, including point of view, dialogue, pacing, and characterization.
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The process by which authors reveal a character’s physical appearance, personality, motivations, and point of view is called ____________________.
- Characterization
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In which type of characterization does the author TELL readers what a character is like through statements and descriptions?
- Direct characterization
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In which type of characterization does the author SHOW readers what a character is like through the way the character speaks, dresses, or acts, what the character thinks, and how other characters react to that character?
- Indirect characterization
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What is a complex character?
- A complex character is one who exhibits depth and nuanced traits, displaying conflicting emotions and motivations, much like real people.
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Characters’ reasons for their actions and behaviors is called ____________________.
- Motivation
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What is the difference between a complex character and a static character?
- A complex character evolves, showing growth and depth, while a static character remains unchanged throughout the narrative.
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Characters drive a story’s _______________ forward through the conflicts they create and serve as vehicles through which authors convey their _______________.
- Plot and themes
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What is a summary? (Lesson pg. 1)
- A summary is a brief recapitulation of the main ideas or events in a text, omitting detailed explanations or examples.
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What does being objective mean? (Lesson pg. 3)
- Being objective means presenting information or analysis without personal bias or emotional influence, focusing on verifiable facts.
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If you have not done so already, read the short story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury. You may also watch this video. Then complete the Summarizing Texts Graphic Organizer below.
- [This portion will require reading "The Pedestrian" and filling out the organizer based on your comprehension of the story.]
If you have any other questions or issues, feel free to ask!