Warm Up

1
Warm Up

• Figure out each Rebus puzzle below. Based on the
  clues in each box, come up with a name, work or
  phrase for that box.
• Example Head over Heels

2
Warm Up Answers

• History repeats itself
• Youre under arrest
• Update
• Point blank range
• Walk in the park

3
Similes, Metaphors and Symbols in The Scarlet
Ibis

• Definitions, examples and practice

4
Objectives

• Define the concept of theme and identify the
  theme(s) in a story.
• Identify and explain the use of figurative
  language in short stories.
• Identify and explain the use of symbols/symbolism
  in short stories.

5
Similes and Metaphors

• Similes and Metaphors
• In this lesson, you'll discover two ways authors
  use specific words to add interest to their
  writing.
• SIMILES AND METAPHORS are two more kinds of
  figurative language that authors use to add
  interest to their writing.

6
Similes

• A simile compares two things by using the words
  like or as.
• Example 1
• I was so embarrassed my face was as red as a
  beet!
• How can the author compare a person's face to a
  vegetable? They're so different! True, but they
  are alike in one way Both are red. Picturing
  this can help you visualize the character and
  understand his or her motives in a story.

7
Similes

• Here are few more similes. What do they help you
  visualize?
• You and I are as alike as two peas in a pod!
• She is as quiet as a mouse.
• His sadness was as unending as the waves crashing
  on shore.
• I know I can trust him he's as honest as the day
  is long.
• I can't get her to do anything she's as stubborn
  as a mule!

8
Metaphors

• A metaphor compares two things without using like
  or as. The text states that one thing is, or has
  the characteristics of, another.
• Example 2
• The dog's eyes were searchlights, looking for any
  sign of kindness.
• Is the author tying to get you to picture a dog
  with huge searchlights for eyes? No, the author
  wants you to visualize a poor dog staring
  intently, looking for kindness from a stranger.

9
Metaphor

• Here are a few more metaphors. What do you
  visualize with each?
• Night is a curtain that eventually falls.
• The quarterback is a well-maintained machine.
• She is a beacon of light, guiding us home.
• Strength and honor are his uniform.
• Silence is an invited guest, allowing me time to
  think.
• Practice exercises for this study guide can be
  found at

10
Simile and Metaphor Practice.

• Practice 1 Word Rhymes Here are three very
  short four-line rhymes that contain similes and
  metaphors. Read each, and then answer the
  questions that follow.
• The breeze is a messenger,
• As sweet as roses in bloom,
• That fills all the corners
• Of my lonely room.
• The sky is a blanket
• Bejeweled with diamonds so bright
• That twinkle and sparkle
• Like fireflies at night.
• The street is a river
• On which traffic can flow
• Where cars scurry like fish
• And swish to and fro.

11
Simile and Metaphor Practice.

• 1. In the first rhyme, the author uses a simile
  to compare a
• a. fish to the scent of a rose.
• b. breeze to the sweet smell of roses.
• c. messenger to a lonely room.
• d. lonely room to a windstorm.
• 2. Which of these is NOT a metaphor?
• a. The breeze is a messenger.
• b. The sky is a blanket.
• c. like fireflies at night
• d. he street is a river.
• 3. How does the author use a simile in the last
  rhyme?
• a. to compare the street to a river
• b. to compare cars to fish
• c. to compare stars to fireflies
• d. to compare roses to traffic

12
Simile and Metaphor Practice.

• Answers
• B
• C
• d

13
Simile and Metaphor Practice.

• On your own piece of paper, answer the questions
  based on the two examples on the handouts
  provided. There are 10 multiple choice questions
  total.

14
Simile and Metaphor Practice.

• Answers
• 4. d
• 5. c
• 6. a
• 7. d
• 8. b
• 9. c
• 10. d
• 11. b
• 12. d
• 13. c

15
Symbols and Symbolism

• A symbol is something that represents something
  else, either by association or by resemblance. It
  can be a material object or a written sign used
  to represent something invisible.Language itself
  is a system of spoken or written symbols by which
  we communicate. Every word is a symbol the five
  letters that form the word 'chair' represent a
  sound as well as a physical object. In writing,
  symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a
  description, which represents a deeper meaning
  than the words themselves. This kind of extension
  of meaning can transform the written word into a
  very powerful instrument. On the following
  pagse we'll first describe some common types of
  symbols that illustrate how symbols can be used,
  and then we'll show you how symbolism is used in
  writing with some familiar examples.

16
Symbols

• Religious SymbolismReligious symbolism is the
  use of text, images, procedures, or actual
  physical objects to represent an idea or belief.
  The most common example is the use of objects to
  symbolize the faith itself, as in the use of a
  cross to represent Christianity, or the Star of
  David to represent Judaism.
• There are many more symbols used in religion.
  For example, in Christianity the sacraments (holy
  communion, baptism, ordination and marriage) are
  symbols of spiritual change in the participants.
  In communion, the bread and wine are symbolic of
  the body and shed blood of Jesus, which are
  themselves also symbolic of the salvation of the
  recipient.
• Other Christian symbols include the dove
  (symbolic of the Holy Spirit), and the
  sacrificial lamb (symbolic of Christ's
  sacrifice).

17
Symbols

• Political SymbolismPolitical symbolism is often
  used to represent a political standpoint. It can
  take the form of banners, acronyms, pictures,
  flags, mottos, and many other things.For
  example, the Canadian flag contains a maple leaf,
  which has long been a symbol of things Canadian.
  The two bars represent both the Pacific and
  Atlantic oceans which bound the country on either
  side, and the two founding cultures, English and
  French. The mid-20th century German Nazi Party
  made extensive use of graphic symbols. These
  included the swastika, the eagle, the iron cross,
  and the dual lightning bolts (the symbol of the
  SS) pictured at the left. It should be obvious
  from these two examples that symbols can also
  evoke strong emotions, be they feelings of
  patriotism, as in the case of a flag, or anger,
  hatred and fear in the case of Nazi symbolism.

18
Symbols

• Colour SymbolismSimple colours can also be
  symbolic, depending on your location, or the
  context in which they are used. Red, white and
  blue are symbolic of all things American. Green
  has come to represent anything which is
  environmentally friendly. Colours can represent
  different things depending on where you live. For
  example, in Asian countries, red symbolizes
  happiness, marriage, and prosperity in some
  countries the colour of mourning is white.

19
Symbols

• Architectural SymbolismThe design of some
  buildings is meant to be symbolic. The building
  in the picture at the right is the Canadian War
  Museum. The front of the building represents the
  bow of ship, symbolizing our navies and the role
  they played in wartime. The windows on the this
  roof are also symbolism, albeit in a more subtle
  form they spell out, in Morse Code, the English
  and French phrases "Lest we forget" and
  "N'oublions jamais".

20
Symbols

• Advertising SymbolismJust as in any media,
  symbolism is used extensively in advertising. A
  good example, with which you are certainly
  familiar, is the use of actors dressed in white
  lab coats who are discussing the merits of a
  product in a laboratory setting. These symbols of
  the medical profession are meant to imply that
  the product has been approved by and has the
  support of doctors or medical scientists.

21
Symbols

• Mathematical SymbolismSymbols used in
  mathematics can represent numbers, operations,
  sets, or many other things. This is perhaps the
  simplest kind of symbolism. Some common
  mathematical symbols include for the operation
  of addition, or pi for the transcendental number
  3.14159... , and a host of others.

22
Symbols in Literature

• In literature, symbolism is used to provide
  meaning to the writing beyond what is actually
  being described. The plot and action that take
  place in a story can be thought of as one level,
  while the symbolism of certain things in the
  writing act on another level to enhance the
  story. Symbolism can take place by having the
  theme of a story represented on a physical level.
  A simple example might be the occurrence of a
  storm at at critical point, when there is
  conflict or high emotions. The storm might
  symbolize these. Similarly a transition from day
  to night, or spring to winter, could symbolize a
  move from goodness to evil, or hope to despair. A
  river in a scene could represent the flow of
  life, from birth to death. Flowers can symbolize
  youth or beauty. Not everything in a story is
  necessarily symbolic. A garden landscape is just
  a garden ... until it is contrasted with a
  bustling city, at which point the garden could
  symbolize tranquility, peace, or escape.

23
Symbols in Literature

• Let's look at some actual examples of symbolism
  used in literature and other media, with which
  you might be familiar. In Citizen Kane, a child's
  sled symbolizes the lost innocence of childhood
  ... although you don't realize this until the end
  of the movie.
• In the novel Animal Farm, the entire story is a
  symbol for the evils of communism, with the main
  animal characters representing key figures in the
  Russian revolution. The novel can be read
  entirely as a children's story, but when you come
  to realize what the various elements and
  characters in the story symbolize, the novel
  takes on a whole new meaning. That's why this
  particular work has become such a classic. This
  kind of story is called an allegory.
• In The Lord of the Flies, Ralph with his conch
  shell represents order and democracy, while Jack
  symbolizes savagery and anarchy. The island
  itself symbolizes the world in which we live, and
  the actions of the characters are symbolic of the
  way different people conduct their lives. The
  beast represents the darker side of human nature.
  
• The movie series Star Wars has been described as
  symbolic of faith and religion in our world
  overcoming evil.
• The song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack is
  full of symbolism. The song isn't really about
  dancing at all ... dancing is a symbol for
  getting the most out of life. When she sings '"I
  hope you never fear those mountains in the
  distance", the mountains symbolize our fears
  about the future, or obstacles in life we must
  overcome.
• The play MacBeth by William Shakespeare uses
  blood, both real and imagined, as a symbol of
  guilt, both of MacBeth and Lady MacBeth. Another
  symbol used in the play is a raven, which usually
  represents ill fortune.
• The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling could be
  seen as containing a lot of symbolism, although
  there are as many interpretations as there are
  creatures in the books! (The author isn't
  saying). One clear example is a commonly used
  one the use of a snake to represent evil. It is
  no coincidence that the symbol of Slytherin House
  is a serpent.

24
The Scarlet Ibisby James Hurst
Feature Menu
Introducing the Story Literary Focus
Symbols Reading Skills Making Inferences from
Details
25
The Scarlet Ibisby James Hurst
26
The Scarlet IbisIntroducing the Story
I thought myself pretty smart at many things . .
.
27
The Scarlet IbisIntroducing the Story
In The Scarlet Ibis the narrator tells of his
experience growing up with his physically
disabled brother, Doodle, on a farm in the South.

• The narrator develops a bond with his younger
  brother and teaches him to walk. But he learns a
  tragic lesson when he pushes Doodle too hard.

I did not know then that pride is a wonderful,
terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines,
life and death. from The Scarlet Ibis by James
Hurst
End of Section
28
The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus Symbols
A symbol is an object, event, person, or animal
that stands for something more than itself.

• Symbols are all around you in your everyday life.
  Their special meanings have been handed down over
  time.

29
The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus Symbols
In literature, symbols add deeper levels of
meaning to a work.

• A writer might take a regular object or event and
  make it stand for some human concern.

• Sometimes a symbol is associated with a
  particular character.

Symbols speak to the readers emotions and
imagination. They make stories memorable.
30
The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus Symbols
In The Scarlet Ibis, youll notice similarities
and links between one character and a bird.

• Pay attention to how the author makes a symbolic
  connection between the character and the bird.

• This symbolism can help deepen your understanding
  of the character.

End of Section
31
The Scarlet IbisReading Skills Making
Inferences from Details
As you read a story, you make inferences,
or educated guesses, about what the writer is
trying to say.

• You can base your inferences on your own prior
  knowledge and on evidence from the text.

• Prior Knowledge
• about how stories work
• about your own life experiences

• Evidence from Text
• descriptions
• setting
• dialogue

Inference


32
The Scarlet IbisReading Skills Making
Inferences from Details
One way to make better inferences is to
notice important details in the story.

• Details may seem insignificant at first, but most
  writers choose details carefully to help convey a
  certain meaning or message.

• Colors, seasons, names, times, objects, animals,
  and clothingalmost any little thing can help you
  make inferences about meaning.

33
The Scarlet IbisReading Skills Making
Inferences from Details
Pay attention to details as you read The
Scarlet Ibis, and practice making inferences.
Keep track of the little things
trees
colors
flowers
gestures
weather
animals
What larger meanings can you infer from these
details?
End of Section
34
The Scarlet IbisBackground
The story is set in the American South. Its
climax takes place in 1918, the year World War I
ended. Youll find references in the story to
battles being fought far away from its peaceful
southern setting. As you read, think about why
the author chose this setting.
The physical settingAmerican South in 1918
The historical setting end of World War I
End of Section
35
Quickwrite
36
The Scarlet IbisQuickwrite
Make the Connection
Make a list of situations that might make someone
feel proud. Is pride positive or negativecan it
be both? Jot down your thoughts about what it
means to be proud.
End of Section
37
Vocabulary
38
The Scarlet IbisVocabulary
Previewing the Vocabulary sullenly adv.
resentfully gloomily. imminent adj. near about
to happen. iridescent adj. rainbowlike
displaying a shifting range of colors. serene
adj. peaceful calm. infallibility n. inability
to make a mistake.
39
The Scarlet IbisVocabulary
Previewing the Vocabulary blighted v. used as
adj. suffering from conditions that destroy or
prevent growth. doggedness n. stubbornness
persistence. reiterated v. repeated. precariously
adv. unsteadily insecurely. mar v. damage
spoil.
40
The Scarlet IbisVocabulary
Vocabulary Activity Sentence Completion Fill in
the blanks with the correct Word Bank words.
iridescent blighted serene precariously
imminent
1. The sudden thunder disturbed the ___________
mood. 2. The sunlight cast an ___________ glow
over the lake. 3. A darkening sky warned that a
storm was ___________ . 4. The crops are
___________ due to the severe drought. 5. The
trembling bird perched ___________ on a tree limb.
serene
iridescent
imminent
blighted
precariously
End of Section
41
Scarlet Ibis Questions

• Answer each of the following questions using
  complete sentences.
• What might the bleeding tree symbolize? What do
  we associate with the colour red?
• What details from the third paragraph tells you
  that the story takes place in the past?
• What comparison does the author make in the third
  paragraph? What type of figurative language is
  it? What does it tell you about his bother?
• In the 4th paragraph, what does the narrator
  want?
• Why is it important to the narrator that his
  brother is all there?
• What comparison (2nd paragraph on page 417) does
  the narrator make regarding his brother? What
  type of comparison is it?
• Answer the yellow box question 1
• Why doesnt Aunt Nicey like Doodles nickname?
  What do you think about the narrator nicknaming
  his little brother?
• What inference can you make about Doodle based on
  his reaction to the swamp?

42
Scarlet Ibis Questions

• 10. The narrator says at times I was mean to
  Doodle , write at least three examples.
• 11. After reading about how the brothers trip to
  the swamp ends (top right column on pg. 418),
  what might it foreshadow?
• 12. What does the narrator mean when he says, I
  did not know then that pride is a wonderful,
  terrible thing death.
• 13. Answer the yellow box question 2 on pg. 419
• 14. What do you think the cardinal they see
  symbolizes? (pg 419)
• 15. After finishing reading pg. 419, do you think
  the narrator judges himself too harshly? Explain
  your answer.
• 16. Why do you think Doodle lies on pg. 421?
• 17. Do you think the narrators goals for Doodle
  will be realized? Why or why not? (pg 421 top
  right hand column)

43
Scarlet Ibis Questions

• 18. What type of figurative language is used to
  describe promise on pg 421?
• 19. If summer is a symbol of what is to come,
  what do you think may lie in Doodles future?
• 20. Answer yellow box question 3 on pg. 422.
• 21. In the opening of the story, the narrator
  refers to the clove of season and he refers to
  it again on pg 422 (bottom left column). Why
  might he repeat this phrase here?
• 22. What might Daddys comment about the weather,
  at the bottom of pg. 422, foreshadow?

44
Scarlet Ibis Questions

• 23. Describe the bird that lands in the bleeding
  tree. What might the fact that the bird landed in
  that particular tree symbolize/foreshadow? (pg.
  423)
• 24. The physical details of Doodles response to
  the bird seems to unsettle the narrator. What
  does the description hint at? (pg. 423)
• 25. What are the two things compared in the
  simile at the top of pg. 424?
• 26. Answer the yellow box Question 4. (pg 424)
• 27. Answer the yellow box question 5. (pg. 424)
• 28. Look at the two settings described at the
  bottom of pg 424 and the top of pg. 425. what is
  the contrast between these two scenes? What might
  it foreshadow?
• 29. What does Doodle do on pg. 425 that
  disappoints the narrator so much?
• 30. The word solder means to repair by melting
  metal and dripping it on an object. Why do you
  think the narrator didnt say anything to
  Doodle?
• 30. What does Doodle yell to the narrator when
  the narrator begins to run from the storm? What
  is the narrators reaction?
• 31. Answer yellow box question 6.
• 32. What is the metaphor at the end of the story?
• 33. In what ways can the ibis be a symbol for
  Doodle? Think about the resemblance between the
  two, Doodles reactions to the bird, both of
  their struggles to survive and the similarities
  between their deaths.