Clue #5

Clue #5

1) What is the theme of “About Effie?”

“About Effie” was one of the most bizarre stories I have ever read in my life. I’m not even sure if there was a definite plot. Because of this, it was challenging to identify the theme of the story. This is a complete guess, but from what I read, I think the theme is never give up. Effie always waited, and even though hope seemed very narrow, she still waited for “him.” Then one night, I believe that she does find that one person, although the author doesn’t clearly say.

2) Find a verse from the Bible that relates to the theme of “About Effie” and include it in your written responses.

Job 11:18 - You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

I chose this verse because it resembles Effie and how she never gives up hope. When she does meet “him,” she rests in safety.

1) Who is Effie waiting for?

Effie is waiting for the mysterious “him.” He is vaguely described and not very often mentioned. The only definite facts we know about him is that he comes when there is thunder, lightening, and music. This person that Effie is waiting for finally does come one night.

2) The story contains a lot of Christ imagery. Write down three separate sentences from the story that might symbolize Jesus and explain why Timothy Findley might have written these into his story.

1- "She just called him "him," and sometimes it was even "they," as if there were a thousand of them or something." How Effie refers that person to “him” reminds me of how we refer to Jesus as Word or Holy one.

2- "Will he take you away?" "Of course he will. That's why he's coming. That's why I'm waiting." This reminds of when Jesus takes us to heaven as we are waiting to be taken away by him.

3- Then she looked at me and all of a sudden I felt it. This is similar to how when Christians feel like they’ve met God and have been in his presence, they “felt” it. That feeling is indescribable because it is far too great to describe in words.

3) Can non-Christian authors reveal truth about God’s world?

I believe that anyone can reveal truth about God’s world. It doesn’t necessarily have to be shown through religious texts. It can be shown through metaphoric language. Regardless of religion, God’s world is always something worth writing about.

Clue #4

1) Who is a “character” in your life you admire? Why do you admire this person?

Although we’re not part of the closest granddaughter-grandfather relationship, I know my grandfather enough that I admire him. Out of curiosity, I asked my parents about whom my grandfather was. Not just the details on the surface, but his life story. Where did he live? What significant events did he go through when he was young? My grandfather actually spent his younger years in Japan. In Japan, he alone raised his younger siblings. He had to work and miss school, in order to support the rest of his family. He had earned enough money to send his younger brothers to college, but not himself. Now that’s pretty impressive. My grandfather could’ve gone to college himself, but he was willing to sacrifice his own education for his brothers. Fortunately, my grandfather’s story doesn’t just die there. He goes back to Korea and gets married. Without any college degree, he managed to get a job and eventually started his own business and even owns some buildings in Seoul! Of course, my grandfather’s retired now, but he still owns the buildings (some he sold). My grandfather is a really hard-working, caring and loving person. He is always an inspiration to me whenever I’m feeling down and I’ll always be proud to call him my grandfather!

1) What specific clues can setting reveal about the theme of a short story?

The setting of the story can reveal the theme of a story. Let’s say for instance a story takes place in Africa. We could conclude (if relevant) that the theme of the story is poverty. This isn’t always the case, for the setting can be pretty vague, but in some stories, the theme could be somewhere hidden in the setting.

2) How does an author drop clues about characters and how their actions lead you to the theme of a story?

The author can describe the struggles the character is going through (conflicts) and how they are dealing with it to show clues about the theme of a story. The character’s background, internal struggle, past conflicts and description can all be hints to the theme. If you can carefully identify the details of the character’s and their actions, you can pick up clues about the theme.

3) What is the strongest setting you have ever encountered in your own life. Describe this place and ponder if God revealed anything about Himself or his truth in this place.

A couple summers ago, I visited Korea and for the first time in my life, I went the country, rugged, poor side of Seoul. I have never seen a place so dirty and poor before. It almost felt as if I were in Africa. The children wore dirty, ripped clothes and the “houses” were like unstable shacks that looked as if it were to fall any second. I was a complete shock and felt this wave of guilt pass by me. The impact it left of me was huge. Even hours after leaving that place, I couldn’t seem to get my mind off of it. As cheesy as this may sound, I sincerely felt blessed and thankful.

Clue #3

1) What is a literary theme? Provide an explanation and then 3-one statement examples of a literary theme that reveals truth about the universal human experience.

The theme is the main idea or message in literature. The message can be about life, society or human nature. Themes are more implied than stated straight-out in a story.

1) Step into someone's shoes to get ride of ignorance

2) Things aren't always what they seem

3) We cannot defeat evil until we acknowledge our own dark side

* I got these from various webistes

2) What is the theme of your life, as you see it right now?

As of right now, I would consider the theme of my life to be "expect the unexpected." It has only been about a month since I've moved to Korea, and things have been really hectic. I had no idea that I was going to enroll to a dormitory school until a couple days before school started. Things have just been really out of hand and so sudden that I'm still not fully adjusted and comfortable with where I am right now. Life is full of surprises, but the important part of that is that you are able to take them in and not let that ruin your life. I'm not going to let my move to Korea or a dormitory ruin my relationships with the great friends I had back at home or the relationship with my family of being apart. Things are going well though, and I'm blessed to even have this opportunity to be attending a school like TCIS. Although there have been days where fate decided to take a little twist and let things get complex, I'm enjoying it as it is. If you think about it, that's what life is all about, right? We go through many unexpected and overwhelming events, but they have their importance in this world.

3) In your opinion, what is the theme of God's plan for this world?

I think that the theme of God's plan for this world is "make the best out of what you have." God created the earth, and as humans, it's our responsibility to make the best out of what God has given us. We live in this world, and it's our task to live responsibly and use all the resources he has given us to live life to its fullest. We shouldn't pollute the air or trash the streets. That is not why God has created the earth. He created it so that men could dwell on his land.

1) How can you figure out a theme in a short story? Describe the process.

There are some strategies in figuring out the theme of a story. You can consider the title. Sometimes the title of a story can reveal understanding of the theme. Then think about the main characters and what conflicts they go through. Find the climax and try to figure out what the author's message is. Lastly, look at the resolution of the story. It may contain some sort of universal truth. From the information you have gathered, try to come up with a truth statement. You should be able to identify the theme for the story.

2) What is the theme of "The Utterly Perfect Murder" and how does this theme relate to your own life?

I think the theme of "The Utterly Perfect Murder" is obsession with past sorrows/grievances. Doug is hung up with his past about his childhood friend, Ralph. Ralph has betrayed him, abandoned him, and has certainly not treated Doug as a friend. This left a huge scar on Doug, who never seemed to forget about it. Even after forty years, Doug cannot seem to leave behind the past. In fact, he decides to get revenge on his friend. That revenge was to kill Ralph for what he's done to Doug. A normal human probably would've forgotten about the past by then, but obviously Doug had some sort of obsession about it that left him hanging onto the past. I'm not sure if the theme is correct, but this is how I interpreted it as.

3) How is a moral of a story different from a theme?

A theme is broader than moral. A moral is lesson from an event or story. A theme is a broad idea or message that may be about life, society, or humanity. A moral is usually revealed in a story, while a theme is something the reader has to think about and find out. A moral is typically only one statement. On the other hand, the theme depends on the reader. It can be interpreted in many different ways, especially if it's not stated so straight-out.

4) Read John 3:16. Is this a theme statement for God's story? How does this relate to the truth you might find in literature?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

Yes, I would consider this a theme statement for God's story. We mostly remember God for sacrificing his own son for the sins of mankind. John 3:16 mentions that God loved the world so much that he was willing to kill his one and only son, Jesus. In literature, there are similar themes, such as sacrifice or giving something/someone up for someone else's sake. The whole idea of "giving up" is mentioned in almost all stories. It's ironic because that is what revolves around God. He gave up his son for our sake, while characters in stories do the same. For example, in Marigolds, Lizabeth gave up innocence, but gained maturity. That idea of "giving" something up always occurs in our lives.

Clue #6

1. Define a metaphor and a simile.

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which you are comparing things without using "like" or "as." A simile is a comparison using "like" or "as."

1. Why do authors use figurative language?

Figurative language is used by authors to convey a more creative and clear message. Creative writers use metaphors, similes, etc. to bring out emotions and understandings that can't be understood by just the words alone. By comparing two objects, it helps the readers to understand and grasp the imagery since the connections of the two materials can display a better understanding. Also, figurative language is interesting. It's profound, new and fresh. Without it, your writing would seem too much like a dictionary. Figurative language adds color to your writing and makes it far more interesting.

2. List 3 metaphors that you think are really beautiful or interesting.

"Climbing down the heart, listen to your deep soul call, give wings to your dreams."

"Beauty is truth's smile when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror."

"Clouds came floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."

3. Find a metaphor for Jesus in the Bible and list the Bible verse.

"If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." -John 7:37.

4. What does this metaphor reveal about God's world and your understanding of it??

It reveals that Jesus was a caring man who would feed any one who were suffering from hunger or thirst. He cared about his people and was even willing to sacrifice his own self for human kind's own sins.

Clue #1

1) What is beauty?

According to the dictionary, beauty is “the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).” So, in other words, beauty can be a quality, a design or pattern, or something different.

2) Find 2 Bible versus about God’s view of beauty and add them to the written responses for the questions on the left?

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1. In your own words, please summarize what Reader Response analysis is, and what steps are involved.

Reader Response focuses on the reader’s experiences and the relationship with an author or a work of literature. Rather than interacting with the text, reader response challenges students to interact with the text and record memories, emotions, experiences, and new ideas. The focus is on the personal connection between a readers’ experience and the text. The steps involved in Reader Response is first, you have to read the text. While you are reading, you make connections with the story consciously or unconsciously. You can write down the connections, or keep them mentally alive in your mind while reading the story. Making connections is a great way to analyze the text and relate to the character.

2. How can Reader Response open our eyes to more truth as we read?

By standard reading, you’re usually asked the theme of the book. In reader response, you think more about what you learned about yourself or the world that you didn’t realize before reading the book. You open your eyes to more truth when using reader response.

3. Why is it important for you to interact/connect with literature?

Interacting and connecting with literature is important because when you make connections to the text, it expands the way you think. You don’t just look down one road. It opens gateways to other roads as well. For example, rather than asking, “what is the book about?” questions like “what did the book make you think about?” really makes you have to interact and connect with the story. The questions are more meaningful because it’s not just simply about the story, but it involves you, the reader. Effective readers create meaning by comparing the literature to their own thoughts and experiences.

4. Reflect on a book or story you have read recently and what new truth about the world you learned from that narrative.

I have recently read a book called The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. The novel is told from the perspective of a boy that belongs to a lower-class group of Oklahoma youths. It tells about their struggles living as lower-class people and the hard challenges they have to face. After finishing this book, it really left an impact on me. It made me realize that although I may be living in places where poverty doesn’t exist, there are places in this world where people struggle to live. They live in neighborhoods where the crime rates are high, and they have to deal with the constant bullying of the upper class. And although it may be hard to believe, there are people who lead lives like that even today. I always think, it’s the 21^st century, everyone goes to school, everyone has cell phones, but reality shows that it’s not true. To me, it’s hard to believe.

The key components of this introduction are:

-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God

-All things were made through him and without him, nothing would have been made

-In him was life and that life was the light of men

-The light shines in the darkness; but the darkness has not understood it

-The world did not recognize him

Here, the characters that will also appear later in the story are introduced. The setting is also described and we are given background information. This passage would be the exposition of the story.

1) When we read something, we don't really keep in mind about the structure of the story. We simply just read the text, but we don't understand the importance of the underlying elements of a story. The beginning is the exposition, then rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. The purpose of the exposition is to inform the readers about the plot, characters, setting and theme of the story. The rising action is what leads up to the climax. It builds suspense all the way up to the climactic finish. The highest point of tension is the climax. Following that is the falling action, where the after effects of the climax usually occur. Lastly, the resolution is the end of the story. At this point, the conflicts are resolved and ends with a conclusion.

2) The structure of a story is like the foundation of a building. It the foundation is weak, then the building will collapse and will only leave behind a huge mess to clean up after. If you build a strong foundation, you will have no worries of it collapsing. This goes the same for stories. If the structure of your story is weak and does not have strong components, your story will be surely shoved aside and ignored. Nonetheless, if your story is structured well and has strong elements, then it will stand out among others. The overall structure should have a smooth arc of rising action, climax and resolution. The plot should grab the reader’s interest and be strong enough the carry throughout the whole story. The readers should be able to easily identify the exposition, falling action, climate, etc. and the theme of the story.

3) "Marigolds" is an example of a "strong building." I noticed that it had smooth transitions from the exposition, to rising action, the climax, falling action and settled down well at the resolution. The plot was interesting and focused. Everything in the story was connected and led to the climax without any distractions. The characters were balanced and went along smoothly against the moving plot. The pace of the story was never too slow or fast. It did not drag or skip over parts. I was slightly confused at the beginning of who the narrator was, but I quickly caught on. The dialogue was clear and I could differentiate between who was speaking without being told.

4) I interpreted the theme as growing up follows a loss of innocence. It is shown in this story that compassion can only be understood when innocence is lost. In the beginning, the author explains that Lizabeth lives in a neighborhood full of poverty. Lizabeth is at an age where she is ready to give up her childish acts and become a young woman. However, in this time period (Great Depression), she is confused and cannot fully understand what is happening to her. At the climax of the story, she rips up Miss Lottie's marigolds, which marks her loss of innocence. She feels great compassion for Miss Lottie after realizing what she has done, as shown in the falling action. Although she shows her sincere remorse, Miss Lottie never plants marigolds again. Here, the theme is evident. It is at this moment that Lizabeth sees with the eyes of adulthood, compassion, and she knows that her childhood innocence is gone.