Directions:
Follow the directions below.
To get started:
A. Open up the WEBQUEST WORKSHEET. You will save this in your school home drive - title it “Scarlet Ibis.”
B. You will use Times New Roman size 12 font and one inch margins for this assignment.
PART 1
A. Pre-Reading Focus:
FOCUS QUESTION
For each of the following groups of people, assign a number from 1-6 (1 being the highest) to indicate the level of expectation they have for you:
parents siblings friends teachers coaches yourself
Then, in a paragraph or two, explain who you think expects the most from you and why?
B. About the author:
Authors have an uncanny way of presenting information to the reader that is often hidden behind rich language and literary devices. In discovering the "mysteries" of the literature, readers gain insights into human experiences and develop a broader understanding of one's self. James Hurst, author of "The Scarlet Ibis," is one who provides "mystery and meaning" through his short story. You will use the web to find information that will help you complete this assignment.
QUESTIONS:
1. Where did/does James Hurst live?
2. What careers did James Hurst have?
3. What seemed to be James Hurst’s passion?
C. Symbolism:
What is a symbol?
Instead of going to the textbook for the answer, link to
the following sites to find the definition of a symbol:
This site gives you a sampling of categories that provide a wide
range of symbols. Click on at least FIVE letters of the alphabet, choose ONE
item for each letter, and record the symbolic meaning of each item. Record
your findings on your worksheet.
Symbolism
This next link, gives some of the symbolic meanings of tomb items:
Pick one symbol and record it on your worksheet
Tomb Symbolism
Trees also have symbolism. Click on this next link to uncover the
meanings of trees that you may know. Then on the back of your paper, write a
list 3 trees you may have seen or heard of and their symbolic meanings
Tree Symbolism
D. The Scarlet Ibis:
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
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?
E. Symbolism Check:
Before 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. Provide a brief explanation for your choice.
III. Read: The Scarlet Ibis
http://whs.wsd.wednet.edu/faculty/zobel/documents/TheScarletIbisText.pdf
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