Lysandras Poem by Budge Wilson

Level 1 Reading 1. Who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist of this story? 2. What is the central conflict of the story? Identify it as ch. vs. ____________ and explain the conflict in a sentence or two. Identify at least two other conflicts in the story. 3. What is the setting of the story? Complete the following chart in your notebook: Type Spatial Temporal Social Atmosphere Setting Evidence from the text

4. Summarize the plot of the story in 125-150 words. Compare your summary to that of a desk mate. Are your summaries the same? They should be very close as they should each mention the main characters, the central conflict, the inciting event, the crisis or climax, and the resolution. Work together with the other students in your pod to create a comprehensive and clear summary. Level 2 Reading 5. Complete the placemat activity with your pod as a way of discussing one of the characters in the story and your personal reactions to them. Discuss your responses with the class. Placemat Instructions: Put the placemat in the center of the table. Write on the corner facing you, answering the question or responding to the prompt. Be sure to use one piece of evidence from the text to support your answer. Then turn the placemat so that a new square is facing each person at your table. Read the prompt and the last persons response. Comment first on their response and/or the use of evidence, and then leave your own response. Continue doing this until everyone at the table has had a chance to respond at least once to the prompt. 6. Complete a character sketch worksheet for each girl. Reconsider your responses during the placemat activity. Do you still want to be friends with Elaine? Why Lysandra? Why or why not? Level 3 Reading 7. State the main theme of the story in one clear sentence. Remember: do not refer to the story in your theme statement, just the universal truth that the author is attempting to convey. Identify at least three other themes that are incidental to the main conflict of the story. Remember: do not refer to the story in your theme statement, just state the specific and universal truth that the author is attempting to convey. Compare your statements of theme with the other people at your table. Be prepared to present a clear statement of theme to the class. 8. Have each person at your pod choose a different passage from the story. Use your chosen passage to complete the attached double-entry journal, using the example as a guide to what is expected of you. The goal of a double entry journal is to help you make connections in the story and to answer the question, Why and how does the author use specific literary and structural devices, and how dco they relate to the theme? Be prepared to share your passages with the class.

Level 4 Reading 9. Is there anything ironic about the outcome of the poetry contest? Explain your answer using evidence from the text. If there is irony, how is it used to support the authors characterizations of Lysandra and Elaine, and how does it support his theme? If there is no irony, in what other way(s) does the author use the poetry contest to support characterization and theme? 10. On page 65 of the story, Elaine exclaims, Lysandra! you may exclaim. What a name to issue forth from such a small and simple town in one of the back places of our land. No town is simple, let me say, but that does not explain Lysandras name. What does explain Lysandras name? To what does the name allude? How and why has the author used the name Lysandra? Using evidence from the text and evidence from your own research, explain how the name Lysandra is important to the readers understanding of the character and of the theme of the story. 11. Which character do you think will ultimately end up leading a happier, more fulfilling life? Write a scene from what might be the epilogue to this story and explain your choices.

CHARACTER SKETCH WORKSHEET Fundamentals

Story Title: Character Name:

Main character

Minor character

Protagonist/supporter

Antagonist/supporter

Physical Appearance
(Gender, age, body type, hair, eyes, facial features, dress, posture, movements, mannerisms, speech, first impression

Background that may influence motivations

(Education, religions, family, early childhood experiences, financial situation, profession, marital status, other relationships, habits, surroundings/environment, health)

Other Details
(Hobbies, skills, favourite foods, colours, books, music, art)

Personality Traits
(Distinctive traits, self-image, yearnings/dreams, fears/apprehensions, sense of humour, code of ethics, attitude: optimistic? overly sensitive?) 1. Trait:

Textual Evidence:

2.

Trait:

Textual Evidence:

3.

Trait:

Textual Evidence:

4.

Trait:

Textual Evidence:

5.

Trait:

Textual Evidence:

6.

Trait:

Textual Evidence:

Story Relevance
What conflicts or complications arise from this character?

Does this character develop over time? If so, in what ways?

How is this character, his or her traits, and his or her development relevant to the story?

Double Entry Journal

Title: Passage chosen:

Author:

Summary of what is going on at this point in the reading

Reasons for choosing the passage

Personal reactions, beliefs, opinions about what is going on in this passage

Literary or structural element of importance:

Figurative language and its significance:

Connections in this passage to the theme

Questions I have about this passage or about the text as a whole as a result of this passage

Would you like to be friends with Lysandra? Why or why not?

Is Lysandra a good friend to Elaine? Give an example from the text.

What is Lysandras best or worst quality? Give an example from the text.

Lysandra

Does Lysandra deserve the treatment she She receives from Elaine? Why or why not?

Would you like to be friends with Elaine? Why or why not?

Is Elaine a good friend to Lysandra? Give an example from the text.

What is Elaines best or worst quality? Give an example from the text.

Elaine

Does Elaine deserve the treatment she receives from Lysandra? Why or why not?