Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Tuesday

 Today we are going to discuss your upcoming test and look at an old test. 

HW: Please study. Grade check is Thursday.

  SHORT STORY FINAL: REVIEW

Some things you will have to know
1)    Be able to define: irony, foreshadow, dialect, conflict, character, plot, tone, theme, symbol, protagonist, antagonist, static character, dynamic character, round character, flat character, allusion
      Irony:
      Foreshadow:
      Dialect:
      Conflict:
      Character:
      Plot:
      Tone:
      Theme:
      Symbol:
      Protagonist:
      Antagonist:
      Static Character:
      Dynamic Character:
      Round Character:
      Flat Character:
      Allusion:
2)    For each story be able to list the protagonist and the antagonist and the type of conflict.  Hint: conflict, protagonist and antagonist must all be equal and you may want to justify your answer.
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
3)    For each story pick out which characters are round, which characters are flat, which characters are static and which characters are dynamic and briefly discuss in 3-5 sentences why they fit the category you chose.  Remember and apply the three elements of characterization and the three conditions for believable change.
a)     “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
4)    For each story list the point of view.  If it is 1st person tell who the narrator is.  If it is 3rd person-limited list the character the narrator follows around
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
5)    For each story write out a theme—
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
6)    For each story outline the plot according to the six elements (exposition, inciting event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
b)    “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
c)     “The Cask of Amontillado”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
7)    For the following stories pick out two or more examples of allusion and discuss what the allusions refers to
“Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
“The Most Dangerous Game”
8)    For the following stories list at least one example of foreshadow and briefly discuss what it hints will happen:
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“The Cask of Amontillado”
“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
9)    For the following stories pick out two or more examples of irony and discuss why its ironic and what type of irony it is (situational or verbal)
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
      “The Cask of Amontillado”
      “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’”
10) For the following stories discuss what the following symbols and or images represent and mean in relation to the theme and characters.
“The Split Cherry Tree”:  The cherry tree
A dead leaf on a tree of growing leaves:
“Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”: The title
The two chicken hawks:
11) Other than the list above pick out two symbols from any of the stories and discuss what they represent and mean in relation to the theme and characters.
11) Briefly discuss how dialect is used in “The Split Cherry Tree”?  What does it tell us about Pa, Dave and Professor Herbert. 
12) List the setting for every story.  Remember there are two elements to setting.
13) Identify the following characters with a detailed description of their physical, intellectual and emotional qualities (everything you know about them).  Also, be able to describe (and possibly argue) whether the characters are flat, round, dynamic or static.
Paul Berlin
Granddaddy Cain
Granny
Cathy
Smilin
Camera
Montresor
Fortunato
Pa Sexton
General Zaroff
Rainsford
Dave Sexton
Professor Herbert
Whitney
Narrator from “Blues”
Tyrone and Terry
           
14) Be able to answer various comprehension questions—short answer, true or false, multiple choice
15) From the stories “Split Cherry Tree” and “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” pick out 2-3 examples of metaphors and similes and briefly discuss what is being compared.
16) From the stories “Split Cherry Tree” and “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” pick out examples of dialect: word choice and pronunciation for the following character: Pa Sexton and Granny Cain or the narrator from “Blues”
17) For the following stories briefly discuss what the plot reveals about the main character:
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“The Cask of Amontillado”
“The Split Cherry Tree”

18) For any of the stories be able to write a brief summary.


Monday, September 29, 2025

English 9

 Today we need to take notes on dashes and commas, discuss "A Christmas Memory" (your short story outlines are due), and begin to review for the test. The test will be on Wednesday.

 

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Friday

 

 

Friday: Vocabulary Quiz. After the quiz students should work on “A Christmas Memory". Please finish short story outline.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Thursday

 

 

Thursday: Students need to read “A Christmas Memory” and fill out the short story outline.

 

Friday: Vocabulary Quiz (Please find it under this sheet). After the quiz students should work on “A Christmas Memory:

Wednesday

 We are going to look at the last story that we will read "A Christmas Memory" on page 336.

After it we will begin to review for the UNIT FINAL - which will be comprehensive and long.




      SHORT STORY FINAL: REVIEW

Some things you will have to know
1)    Be able to define: irony, foreshadow, dialect, conflict, character, plot, tone, theme, symbol, protagonist, antagonist, static character, dynamic character, round character, flat character, allusion
      Irony:
      Foreshadow:
      Dialect:
      Conflict:
      Character:
      Plot:
      Tone:
      Theme:
      Symbol:
      Protagonist:
      Antagonist:
      Static Character:
      Dynamic Character:
      Round Character:
      Flat Character:
      Allusion:
2)    For each story be able to list the protagonist and the antagonist and the type of conflict.  Hint: conflict, protagonist and antagonist must all be equal and you may want to justify your answer.
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
3)    For each story pick out which characters are round, which characters are flat, which characters are static and which characters are dynamic and briefly discuss in 3-5 sentences why they fit the category you chose.  Remember and apply the three elements of characterization and the three conditions for believable change.
a)     “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
4)    For each story list the point of view.  If it is 1st person tell who the narrator is.  If it is 3rd person-limited list the character the narrator follows around
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
5)    For each story write out a theme—
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
b)    “The Cask of Amontillado”
c)     “The Lady or the Tiger?”
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
6)    For each story outline the plot according to the six elements (exposition, inciting event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
a)    “The Most Dangerous Game”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
b)    “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
c)     “The Cask of Amontillado”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
d)    “The Split Cherry Tree”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
e)    “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
exposition:
inciting event:
rising action:
climax:
falling action:
resolution:
7)    For the following stories pick out two or more examples of allusion and discuss what the allusions refers to
“Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”
“The Most Dangerous Game”
8)    For the following stories list at least one example of foreshadow and briefly discuss what it hints will happen:
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“The Cask of Amontillado”
“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
9)    For the following stories pick out two or more examples of irony and discuss why its ironic and what type of irony it is (situational or verbal)
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?”
      “The Cask of Amontillado”
      “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’”
10) For the following stories discuss what the following symbols and or images represent and mean in relation to the theme and characters.
“The Split Cherry Tree”:  The cherry tree
A dead leaf on a tree of growing leaves:
“Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird”: The title
The two chicken hawks:
11) Other than the list above pick out two symbols from any of the stories and discuss what they represent and mean in relation to the theme and characters.
11) Briefly discuss how dialect is used in “The Split Cherry Tree”?  What does it tell us about Pa, Dave and Professor Herbert. 
12) List the setting for every story.  Remember there are two elements to setting.
13) Identify the following characters with a detailed description of their physical, intellectual and emotional qualities (everything you know about them).  Also, be able to describe (and possibly argue) whether the characters are flat, round, dynamic or static.
Paul Berlin
Granddaddy Cain
Granny
Cathy
Smilin
Camera
Montresor
Fortunato
Pa Sexton
General Zaroff
Rainsford
Dave Sexton
Professor Herbert
Whitney
Narrator from “Blues”
Tyrone and Terry
           
14) Be able to answer various comprehension questions—short answer, true or false, multiple choice
15) From the stories “Split Cherry Tree” and “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” pick out 2-3 examples of metaphors and similes and briefly discuss what is being compared.
16) From the stories “Split Cherry Tree” and “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” pick out examples of dialect: word choice and pronunciation for the following character: Pa Sexton and Granny Cain or the narrator from “Blues”
17) For the following stories briefly discuss what the plot reveals about the main character:
“The Most Dangerous Game”
“The Cask of Amontillado”
“The Split Cherry Tree”

18) For any of the stories be able to write a brief summary.


 


Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Tuesday

 Today, we are going to give you some time to work on short story outlines for "Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?" and to review vocabulary. We will also look at the interview with the author of the story.


 
New Vocabulary

Pedantry
Odious
Luxuriant
Dictum
Cacophony
Proclivity
Proboscis
Stratum
Mausoleum
Marionette
Phoenix  

Unit Learning goal: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the structure of fiction by breaking down the essential building blocks (literary elements) of short stories by plot, character development, figurative language (metaphor, symbolism, irony), point of view, connecting these blocks to the overall meaning (or theme) of the text, and final writing their own short story using these structures.  

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student can analyze the elements of a short story come up with a valid theme (or themes) of a text and relate this theme to other texts and/or movies and real world situations.  The student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with complex themes.
3 – The student can analyze elements of a short story and come up with a valid theme for a text.  The student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with a valid and justifiable theme.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can analyze the elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a text.  With some direction/help from the teacher the student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with a theme.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to analyze elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a text.  Even with help from the teacher the student in unable to write a short story using elements covered during this unit.

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this unit students will be able to
1)    Define tone, blues, metaphor, irony, foreshadow, dialect, conflict, character, plot, mood, theme, symbol, imagery, protagonist, antagonist, static character, dynamic character, round character, flat character, allusion
2)    Given a story be able to list its theme, plot, conflict, irony, point of view
3)    Given a story be able to discuss which characters are round and which are flat
4)    Given a story be able to pick out the protagonist and the antagonist
5)    Given a story be able to pick out the static characters and the dynamic characters and briefly in a paragraph discuss why.
6)    Given a story pick out examples of foreshadow and allusion
7)    List the three elements of characterization
8)    List the three conditions for believable change in a character
9)    Given a series of images discuss what they mean in relation to a story or a character in a story
10) Given a story identify the characters with descriptions—physical and emotional descriptions as well as whether the character fits as either an antagonist, protagonist, dynamic or static character
11) Given a story be able to describe the symbols used in the story and what they mean in relation to the characters and theme.
12) Given a story discuss in a paragraph or two what the story’s plot reveals about the main character
13) Recognize whether a story is told from a 1st person, 2nd person or 3rd person limited, 3rd person omniscient point of view.
14) In a paragraph be able to summarize the events of a story.
15) In an essay of a page or more (at least two paragraphs of five sentences each) compare and contrast how two authors use imagery, metaphor, and dialect to develop their characters.
16) Define various vocabulary words from each short story (these words will be given on Monday or Tuesday of the week)
17) Demonstrate an understanding of a story by developing a project
18) Given a story identify the different events that fall into different parts of the plot.  Example: Be able to describe the exposition or climax of a story.
19) Write a script and act out a story or the sequel to a story keeping true to the characters and the plot
20) Incorporating devices of setting, character, plot, conflict, point of view, and believable characterization and change for the protagonist, write a short story of at least three pages.
20) Write various journal entries that correspond to the stories and various elements in those stories
 STORIES TO BE READ INCLUDE:
  1. “The Cask of Amontillado” by Poe
  2. “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell
  3. “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
  4. “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy” by Tim O’Brien
  5. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara
  6. “The Lady or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton
  7. “The Split-Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart
  8. “The Gift of the Magi” by O’Henry
  9.  One story of the student's choice
ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS:
 What are the different types of conflicts found within stories; What is an unreliable narrator and what does an unreliable narrator do for a text; What is an allusion?  Why does an author use allusions?  How is a complex character created?  Why does an author use imagery?  What does dialect do for a story?  What is irony and what is the effect of irony when it is used in a story?  Can you find irony in the real world?  What happens when part of the plot is left out of a story?  What is figurative language and how does an author effectively use it in a story?




Monday, September 22, 2025

Monday

 Today we are going to look at the story, "Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?" and discuss/pick out examples of allusion, irony, symbol. First let's talk about the title and the meaning of the song.

But first we should talk about "Blues Ain't No Mockin' Bird" quizzes and short story outlines.

HW: Study Vocabulary words





 

Unit Learning goal: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the structure of fiction by breaking down the essential building blocks (literary elements) of short stories by plot, character development, figurative language (metaphor, symbolism, irony), point of view, connecting these blocks to the overall meaning (or theme) of the text, and final writing their own short story using these structures.  

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student can analyze the elements of a short story come up with a valid theme (or themes) of a text and relate this theme to other texts and/or movies and real world situations.  The student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with complex themes.
3 – The student can analyze elements of a short story and come up with a valid theme for a text.  The student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with a valid and justifiable theme.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can analyze the elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a text.  With some direction/help from the teacher the student is able to write a short story using these elements to create a text with a theme.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to analyze elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a text.  Even with help from the teacher the student in unable to write a short story using elements covered during this unit.

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this unit students will be able to
1)    Define tone, blues, metaphor, irony, foreshadow, dialect, conflict, character, plot, mood, theme, symbol, imagery, protagonist, antagonist, static character, dynamic character, round character, flat character, allusion
2)    Given a story be able to list its theme, plot, conflict, irony, point of view
3)    Given a story be able to discuss which characters are round and which are flat
4)    Given a story be able to pick out the protagonist and the antagonist
5)    Given a story be able to pick out the static characters and the dynamic characters and briefly in a paragraph discuss why.
6)    Given a story pick out examples of foreshadow and allusion
7)    List the three elements of characterization
8)    List the three conditions for believable change in a character
9)    Given a series of images discuss what they mean in relation to a story or a character in a story
10) Given a story identify the characters with descriptions—physical and emotional descriptions as well as whether the character fits as either an antagonist, protagonist, dynamic or static character
11) Given a story be able to describe the symbols used in the story and what they mean in relation to the characters and theme.
12) Given a story discuss in a paragraph or two what the story’s plot reveals about the main character
13) Recognize whether a story is told from a 1st person, 2nd person or 3rd person limited, 3rd person omniscient point of view.
14) In a paragraph be able to summarize the events of a story.
15) In an essay of a page or more (at least two paragraphs of five sentences each) compare and contrast how two authors use imagery, metaphor, and dialect to develop their characters.
16) Define various vocabulary words from each short story (these words will be given on Monday or Tuesday of the week)
17) Demonstrate an understanding of a story by developing a project
18) Given a story identify the different events that fall into different parts of the plot.  Example: Be able to describe the exposition or climax of a story.
19) Write a script and act out a story or the sequel to a story keeping true to the characters and the plot
20) Incorporating devices of setting, character, plot, conflict, point of view, and believable characterization and change for the protagonist, write a short story of at least three pages.
20) Write various journal entries that correspond to the stories and various elements in those stories
 STORIES TO BE READ INCLUDE:
  1. “The Cask of Amontillado” by Poe
  2. “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell
  3. “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
  4. “Where Have You Gone Charming Billy” by Tim O’Brien
  5. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin’ Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara
  6. “The Lady or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton
  7. “The Split-Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart
  8. “The Gift of the Magi” by O’Henry
  9.  One story of the student's choice
ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS:
 What are the different types of conflicts found within stories; What is an unreliable narrator and what does an unreliable narrator do for a text; What is an allusion?  Why does an author use allusions?  How is a complex character created?  Why does an author use imagery?  What does dialect do for a story?  What is irony and what is the effect of irony when it is used in a story?  Can you find irony in the real world?  What happens when part of the plot is left out of a story?  What is figurative language and how does an author effectively use it in a story?



Wednesday

 Test today.