Homework
A-Day Due Tuesday, September 18th
B-Day Due Friday, September 21st
I.
View the figurative language video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3HJ1brXr6s&feature=related
What was your aha moment/ explain in at least three sentences. ( 10 pts)
II.
Correct HW - be reflective - (25 pts) - all corrected responses must be completed
- Discuss what you learned when you compared your response to the "Best Response"
- Explain how you have realigned your thinking.
III.
Write a 5-paragraph Expository Essay on the prompt below (25 pts)
Explain the impact the author's use of word choice (Tone), characters' contrast, and symbolism had on the author’s overall message in “Gil’s Furniture Gift Bought and Sold.”
1. The impact of Word choice (tone) should be your focus in Body paragraph 1.
2. The impact of Characters’ Contrast should be your focus in Body paragraph 2.
3. The impact of Symbolism should be your focus in Body paragraph 3.
Use Essay Framework as a guide
Sample Introduction:
The quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words" refers to the idea that a complex idea or message can be expressed with an illustration. But a picture is not the only strategy a message is communicated. In the short and amusing story "Gil's Furniture Bought and Sold," the author uses specific word choice, characters' contrast, and symbolism to convey her message about finding something priceless in an unexpected place.
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Best Answer Responses to “Gil’s Furniture Bought and Sold” questions A-C and 1-8
A) The narrator and Nenny shop at the store because they don’t have much money and like to browse through the unusual, odd merchandise.
B) *Nenny seems outgoing and talkative - as the text states she talks to any old man she sees and asks lots of questions. I’d say that’s outgoing and talkative. *On the other hand, the narrator is quiet; she observes more than she speaks. I gather this from how she gives descriptive details about the store’s appearance in the setting. Her observant qualities also reveal the personalities of Nenny and the store owner. *The store owner is quiet and doesn’t mind being left alone. He is sort of reclusive. His behavior is ironic: He is a store owner, yet he doesn’t talk much and doesn’t engage his customers. The text states you could be in the store a longtime before you notice him.
C) Initially, the narrator was disappointed when she saw the box. But after hearing it, she was emotionally moved and “cared” about it. However, Nenny, saw the old, wood box first and impulsively wanted to buy it. The text does not reveal that Nenny had an appreciation for it or understood its priceless value. She was just browsing and saw an odd-looking item. That’s all it meant to her. Yet, the narrator stated she did not want to look stupid. When I read this, I inferred she was revealing that it would be immature, insensitive, and inconsiderate to ask to buy something so, so special. Nenny never got this ‘aha’.
Questions 1-8
1) Recall: The family bought a refrigerator.
2) Clarify: From the setting’s description and of the details of the old man, it is hard to know he is in the store because the store is dark and he is quiet.
4) It is obvious that all three characters are interested in old items that do not cost a lot. Nenny wanted to buy the music box but didn’t understand its value and importance. Yet, the narrator felt the beauty of the music box and realized its importance/value. The old man loved the music box and could not part with the music box.
5) Interpret a symbol: I considered the following: The author’s use of the simile to compare the moths, water, and marimbas to the sound of the box; the narrator’s appreciation and realization of its priceless value (reason she pretended not to want it, realizing she would look stupid); and the old man’s reaction showing he would not sell it. Then, I concluded the box represents beauty and an important connection to someone’s past.
6) When the narrator says, “I have to …pretend I don’t care about the box…” I get a sense that she doesn’t want to offend the store owner by asking to purchase it. To her, that would look stupid. I am able to conclude this because I considered the next line when she said, “But Nenny who is stupider….” That line makes be question, “Why is it stupid to want something beautiful?” After all, they are at a junk store to buy what they like. And the music box was obviously liked by each character. However, after analyzing further, I tied the pieces together. The narrator - thru her observant personality - realized the priceless value of the box and thought it would be stupid to ask for it. Hence, since she felt this way of herself, surely she would think that Nenny’s reaction to want to buy it is ‘stupider’.
7)
Narrator – thoughtful, observant, and quiet
Nenny – inattentive, outgoing, talkative
Both: likes shopping at the store, like the music box, seem to be around the same age
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