Warm-up In 2-3 sentences answer the following

question:

When you think of summer, what do you think of? What could summer possibly symbolize or represent in a story? What about fall or autumn?

Literary TermsThese terms will be crucial to our literature discussions. You will be expected to be able to apply these terms on tests as well. This plot diagram will also be referenced regularly.

Exposition

Risin

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on

Denouement

Falling ActionClimax

“The Flowers” by Alice Walker

You will be divided into 8 groups. Each group will be responsible for examining 1 paragraph of the story.

Each group must complete the following:- 2-3 sentence summary of the paragraph.

- 1 sentence explaining information learned about Myop.

- Identify one possible symbol from the paragraph.

You have 10 minutes. When your group has finished, write your information on the board.

Extra information that may help:

Sharecroppers = FarmersNoose = Rope used to hang someone

Symbols(meanings are according to The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols)

Woods/Forest: fear of unconscious selfHarvest: one’s growth as he/she passes into maturitySummer: maturity and knowledge or the hope of what once wasRoses: associated with blood, in Christian beliefs viewed as the drops of Christ’s

blood, in Muslim beliefs associated with contemplation.Pink roses associated with rebirth.

Myop: in optometry, Myopia or being Myopic means having nearsighted vision.

Based on these symbols, what is the overall theme of “The Flowers”?

What makes the last sentence of the story, so significant to the theme?

JuxtapositionThe arrangement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side-by-side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, rhetorical effect, suspense, or character development.

Where is this technique used in “The Flowers”?

How does it emphasize the theme?

Homework• Read “The Lost Boys” by Sara Corbett,

beginning with the background information on page 591 of your textbook.

• Use the access information provided to you on the first day of school.

***Make sure you are reading the textbook for Grade 9!