Ms Mattison

September 19

Objectives

To identify important symbols and relate them to the story's theme.

To write a persuasive essay, stating an opinion about the story's conclusion.

Procedures:

Using What You Know (Mon)

What advantages do you see in having close ties to the culture and traditions of one's ancestors?

For an American, what conflicts might grow out of having loyalties to another land and its people? p. 542

Literary Focus: Symbols

Symbol is often used for a printed or written sign that stands for something else.  Symbol is an object, a person, or an event that as more than one meaning. p. 542

Example: American flag is the symbol for the United States. p. 542

Setting a purpose: 

As you read, consider what the characters think

about their past their African roots and their Southern roots. 

How do the characters in Everyday Use interpret the meaning of heritage?

How do the quilts represent te family's heritage? p. 542

Homework: Read: Everyday Use pp. 542-550

Do: Identifying Facts and Interpreting Meanings. Write questions and answers.

Literary Elements: (Mon)

Do: Literary Elements: Theme is the main idea or basic meaning of a literary work. The theme of a story is revealed through all its elements, including symbols. "Everyday Use" is about the homecoming of a young woman who considers herself modern and fashionable, in contrast to her mother and sister, who she thinks are backward.

Example: Walker uses the quilts as a symbol that brings out conflicting ideas about the meaning of heritage.

Do: Identify some other symbols in the story and tell what connection they have with the story's theme .

Look for an object that the author emphasizes, includes in diaglogue or action. This would be considered a symbol.

How does the object relate to the theme of the story?

Homework:

Do: List at least three symbols and answer both questions. Write questions and answers.

Do: Persuasive Writing (Tues)

At the end of the story, the narrator gives the quilts to Maggie rather than to Dee. Who do you

you think should have received the quilts?

 Source: African American Literature

Minilesson: Persuasive Essay (Tues-Wed)

Homework:

Write a letter to the author agreeing or disagreeing with how the authors ends the story.

Start the letter by stating your opinion.

List reason and examples from the story to support your position.

Use the chart on p. 552 to list your reasons.