English 9, Quarter 4: Physical, Psychological, and Political Landscapes

Eng. 9 PLC Hilltop High School

Response to Literature Essay

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

Read and annotate the Writing Task:

In an organized, multi-paragraph essay examine the mood of Hurst’s short story, “The Scarlet Ibis”.

Examine the literary elements Hurst uses to convey the mood to the reader. Use specific references to the text to support your analysis.

In an organized, multi-paragraph essay examine the mood of Hurst’s short story, “The Scarlet Ibis”.

Examine the literary elements Hurst uses to convey the mood to the reader. Use specific references to the text to support your analysis.

This means you should plan what you say ahead of time: cluster, outline,

etc.

Essays: minimum of 5 well-developed

paragraphs.

The feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader. The mood is an emotional response created in

the reader.

What is the mood

of the story?

Which literary devices does Hurst use to create the

mood?

Which specific references from the text will “show” my reader that I am right about how Hurst creates the mood in the story?

Do/What Chart

Mood

literary elements Hurst uses to convey Mood

specific references to the text to support your analysis

Step One: Circle the verbsStep Two: Underline the nounsStep Three: List the verbs in the left column Step Four: List the nouns in the right column Step Five: Connect the verb to the noun it belongs toStep Six: Use this information when you are planning your essay so that you don’t leave out any important steps

Do WhatExamine

Examine

Use

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

•Complete the Graphic Organizer on MOOD:•Think of 3 words to describe the MOOD in “The Scarlet Ibis”:

Tragedy Sadness Loss•Which literary devices help the writer create MOOD?

DictionFigurative Language Imagery Symbolism Point of View What are the 3 types of figurative

language we always look for?

Simile Metaphor Personification

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstYou will need to find three examples from the story that show Hurst using this literary device to convey mood.For example: if you use imagery, then you will need 3 examples of imagery from the story.Remember to use quotation marks, paragraph #’s., and/or line #’s to show that you have taken this “bit” from the story and are using it as evidence.Find 3 examples and include in the MOOD Chart:

10-15 minutes(you may work quietly with your table

partners)

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst•Review: Response to Literature Graphic Organizer.•What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove in your writing.

A good thesis will help you focus your search for information (3 points) and “drive” your writing.

•To write a thesis statement:Decide on the 3 points you will use to back up your thesis statement regarding Hurst’s use of literary devices to create mood. (which 3

devices will you discuss in your essay?)

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst•Write a thesis statement in response of the writing prompt: one well-written sentence.

• Include the 3 literary devices that Hurst uses to convey mood.

•You will be using these 3 literary devices as evidence in the body paragraphs of your essay, so, no need to go into detail here.

Sample Thesis Statement

In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses diction, point of view, and symbolism to create a mood of tragedy, sadness, and loss.

Title and author

3 key literary devices

Words to describe the MOOD created by the writer

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstIntroduction ParagraphIndividual Work:•Fill out the Introduction paragraph graphic organizer.

10 minute

s

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstIntroduction Paragraph• Example:

When you pass an abandoned mansion, do you see a creepy haunted house or an intriguing historical home? Your view of the mansion depends on its atmosphere—the mood surrounding it. The same can be said of a short story—a story’s mood influences the reader’s feelings about the story itself. In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses diction, point of view, and symbolism to create a mood of tragedy, sadness, and loss.

Attention getting opener:

1. Question2. Statemen

t3. Anecdote4. Quote

Thesis Statement

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstIntroduction Paragraph

•Write your rough draft of the introductory paragraph on a separate sheet of paper.

Exit Ticket!

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstIntroduction Paragraph• Write class paragraph here:

How would you feel if there were signs of impending death and you did not notice them? In James Hurst’s short story, “The Scarlet Ibis”, the author uses figurative language, imagery, and symbolism to establish a mood of tragedy, sadness, and loss. Through the story of two brothers, the reader discovers the tragic consequences of pride.

Period Three

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstIntroduction ParagraphGroup Revision:Share and revise your introductory paragraph.1. Pass your paper to the person on your

left.2. Read introductory paragraphs and

help revise each.

3. Keep passing papers until all have been read and revised.

3-5 minute

s

Total: 20-25 minutes.

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstBody ParagraphIndividual Work: Fill out the body paragraph graphic organizer.

30

minutes

Choose 1 literary device.

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst Body Paragraph

Throughout the story, the author creates the mood through diction, a stylistic device. In the first paragraph, (pg.168) the narrator describes the flowers around his childhood home as “rotting brown magnolia petals” and “graveyard flowers”. He describes an abandoned bird’s nest as “an empty cradle.” Even the scent of the flower s that surround him is described as “speaking softly the names of our dead.” This complex description refers to the aspects of nature with words that remind the reader of death. Hurst is creating and atmosphere of approaching tragedy. Because the story revolves around the relationship between the narrator and his frail brother, Doodle, the mood makes the reader worry about Doodle’s future.

Lit. device: diction

Direct quotations from

paragraph one,

pg.168.

Elaboration

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstBody Paragraph•CHOOSE ONE literary device to focus on.

•You will only be writing ONE of the three body paragraphs for this essay writing exercise.

Exit Ticket!

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstBody Paragraph• Write the class body paragraph here:

Class paragraph

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstBody ParagraphGroup Work:Share and revise your body paragraph.1. Pass your paper to the person on your left.2. Read body paragraphs and help revise

each.

3. Keep passing papers until all have been read and revised.

3 -5minute

s

Total: 20-25 minutes.

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstConclusion ParagraphIndividual Work:•Fill out the conclusion paragraph graphic organizer.

10-15 minute

s

Key points= Lit. devices from Introductory paragraph

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstConclusion Paragraph example

In “The Scarlet ibis,” the author uses diction, point of view, and symbolism to create a gloomy, somber mood. Through diction, Hurst gives us an overwhelming sense that something sad is going to happen. Through point of view, we come to understand how the narrator’s conflicted feelings about his deceased brother have brought him grief and guilt. Finally, through symbolism, we see the tragic fate of fragile creatures in our harsh world. By presenting this complex relationship, James Hurst helps all readers better explore their own feelings of love and cruelty and about loyalty and loss.

Restate thesis in a fresh way.

Summarize key

points (3 literary devices)

End with a

thoughtful

comment that

connects to real

life.

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstConclusion ParagraphYou will only be writing the conclusion paragraph for this essay writing exercise.

•Think: Think of a thoughtful comment that connects your analysis to real life.

Exit ticket!

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstConclusion Paragraph• Write the class conclusion paragraph here:

Class paragraph

• Collect all paragraphs and “Scarlet Ibis” Interactive Reader pages for use in computer lab. We will be typing our final draft in the lab.

Group Work:1. Share and revise your conclusion paragraph.2. Pass your paper to the person on your left.3. Read conclusion paragraphs and help revise each.4. Keep passing papers until all have been read and

revised.