VOCABULARY program.
This program will help you to learn new words
and how to pull words apart to find meaning.
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRACTICE
3X PER WEEK FOR 15 MINUTES EACH SITTING.
Block C code: A2JQDNY
Block D code: A2JQ8NV
Block F code: A2JQCNL
Block H code: A2JQDQN
UNDERSTANDING THEME
Our goal today is to begin to understand the idea of theme and to apply the "concept" to our reading and our writing. As we dig deeper into dystopian ideals and characteristics, it is important to understand what message writers, filmmakers, artists, and musician wish to leave with their audience. In other words:
Understanding Theme
with Fables Review
In
Aesop’s fables, the moral of the story (theme) is written in the last
line. In the following fables, the last
line or theme has been removed. I have
also made some slight changes to the originals.
Directions:
Determine the moral or theme of these fables and explain your
interpretations.
1. The Crow and the Pitcher
A CROW perishing with thirst saw a
pitcher, and hoping to findwater, flew to it with delight. When he reached it, he discovered to his
grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at
it. He tried everything he could think
of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain. At last he collected as many stones as he
could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until
he brought the water within his reach and thus saved his life.
What
is the moral of the story? If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.
Explain
how your answer relates to the story: The crow might have died if he had given
up, but he persisted and through his ingenuity was able to succeed.
2. The Hare With Many Friends
A
Hare was very popular with the other beasts who all claimed to be her
friends. But one day she heard the
hounds approaching and hoped to escape them by the aid of her many Friends. So, she went to the horse, and asked him to
carry her away from the hounds on his back.
But he declined, stating that he had important work to do for his
master. “He felt sure,” he said, “that
all her other friends would come to her assistance.” She then applied to the bull, and hoped that
he would repel the hounds with his horns.
The bull replied: “I am very sorry, but I have an appointment with a
lady; but I feel sure that our friend the goat will do what you want.” The goat, however, feared that his back might
do her some harm if he took her upon it.
The ram, he felt sure, was the proper friend to apply to. So she went to the ram and told him the case. The ram replied: “Another time, my dear
friend. I do not like to interfere on
the present occasion, as hounds have been known to eat sheep as well as
hares.” The Hare then applied, as a last
hope, to the calf, who regretted that he was unable to help her, as he did not
like to take the responsibility upon himself, as so many older persons than himself
had declined the task. By this time the
hounds had caught the Hare, and tore him to shreds.
What
is the moral of the story? It is better to have a few good friends than many
superficial ones.
Explain
how your answer relates to the story: The hare believed she had many friends,
but when it matterd she had none.
3. The Mule in the Lion’s Skin
An
Mule once found a Lion’s skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to
dry. He put it on and went towards his
native village. All fled at his
approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Mule that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and
brayed, but then every one knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound
cudgelling for the fright he had caused.
And shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said: “Ah, I knew you by
your voice.”
What
is the moral of the story? It is better to be called a fool quietly than to
open your mouth and confirm suspicions.
Explain
how your answer relates to the story: The mule might have been able to appear
like a lion until he spoke.
4. The Fox and the Goat
A
FOX one day fell into a deep well and could find no means of escape. A Goat, overcome with thirst, came to the
same well, and seeing the Fox, inquired if the water was good. Concealing his sad plight under a merry
guise, the Fox indulged in a lavish praise of the water, saying it was
excellent beyond measure, and encouraging him to descend. The Goat, mindful only of his thirst,
thoughtlessly jumped down, but just as he drank, the Fox informed him of the
difficulty they were both in and suggested a scheme for their common
escape. “If,” said he, “you will place
your forefeet upon the wall and bend your head, I will run up your back and
escape, and will help you out afterwards.”
The Goat readily assented and the Fox leaped upon his back. Steadying himself with the Goat’s horns, he
safely reached the mouth of the well and made off as fast as he could. When the Goat upbraided him for breaking his
promise, he turned around and cried out, “You foolish old fellow! If you had as
many brains in your head as you have hairs in your beard, you would never have
gone down before you had inspected the way up, nor have exposed yourself to
dangers from which you had no means of escape.”
What
is the moral of the story? Think things through before taking action. Don't be
impulsive.
Explain
how your answer relates to the story: The goat should have considered his
escape route before jumping in the hole to die.
5. The Oxen and the Axle-Trees
A
HEAVY WAGON was being dragged along a country lane by a team of Oxen. The Axle-trees groaned and creaked terribly;
whereupon the Oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels: “Hullo there! why do you make so much noise?
We bear all the labor, and we, not you, ought to cry out.”
What
is the moral of the story? Those who do the least work complain the most.
Explain
how your answer relates to the story: The Oxen quietly beared all the labor
whereas the axel squeaked the whole way.
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