II.
efore you begin reading the short story "The Scarlet Ibis", let's see if you can unlock the "mystery" and find the "meaning" in the following poem:
1. Read the poem carefully.
2. Write the specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
3. Identify the symbol.
4. Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
5. Submit your analysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's - float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
Answer the following questions on your paper:
1. The father is giving his daughter advice about floating. This first swim
lesson dealing with floating also has a symbolic meaning. Not only is the
father giving his daughter advice about floating, but he is also giving his
daughter advice about ____________________.
2.
What is a Scarlet Ibis?
You'll be reading a story about a scarlet ibis, and you
have probably guessed that it will involve some symbolism. Wouldn't
you agree that it would help to understand the story if you knew what a
scarlet ibis was?
The following site has a picture of the scarlet ibis.
Click the link below to see a scarlet ibis.
Photograph of the scarlet ibis (Click)
What's so special about the scarlet ibis? Click on this site and be ready to
answer some questions.
The Scarlet Ibis - INFO SITE ONE
The Scarlet Ibis - INFO SITE TWO
Record your answers to the following questions on your worksheet:
1) What is a scarlet ibis? Describe in detail -
A. Provide a physical description
B. List any significant character traits
2) Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
3) How is environment important to the bird's survival?
Provide a brief explanation for your choice.
1. Review the following litereary terms:
LITERARY TERMS
Foreshadowing symbol theme point of view
Dynamic character climax conflict mood
Allusion simile metaphor
2. Vocab to Review:
VOCABULARY WORDS:
Caul Nettles
Invalid Vermilion
Imminent Heresy
Infallibility Careen
Precariously Evanescence
R11.B.1: Understand components within and between texts.
Understand fiction appropriate to grade level.
R11.A.2: Understand nonfiction appropriate to grade level.
-Analyze inferences and draw conclusions based on text
-Analyze the effectiveness of figurative language
