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CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

APEX Language Arts - 6 Learning Packet

Weeks 3 & 4 April 20 – May 1, 2020

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Contents APEX Lesson – Theme .................................................................................................................................................3

Information – Themes ............................................................................................................................................4

Information – Finding a Theme through Details ....................................................................................................5

Review – Theme .....................................................................................................................................................6

Study Guide – Theme .............................................................................................................................................7

Assessment – Theme ..............................................................................................................................................9

APEX Lesson – Characterization .............................................................................................................................. 12

Information – Characterization ........................................................................................................................... 13

Information – Dialogue ........................................................................................................................................ 15

Information – Dialect ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Information – Conflict and Characterization ....................................................................................................... 17

Review – Characterization ................................................................................................................................... 18

Study Guide – Characterization ........................................................................................................................... 19

Assessment – Characterization ........................................................................................................................... 21

Study Guide Answers ............................................................................................................................................... 25

Theme .................................................................................................................................................................. 25

Characterization .................................................................................................................................................. 26

Extensions ................................................................................................................................................................ 28

Poppy’s Jalopy ..................................................................................................................................................... 29

The House Dog and the Wolf .............................................................................................................................. 31

Ain’t I a Woman” ................................................................................................................................................. 33

Standing Out in the Herd ..................................................................................................................................... 34

Chiron, the Wisest Centaur ................................................................................................................................. 36

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Name: __________________________________________ School: ________________

Teacher: ________________________________________ Period: ________________

Packet Directions for Students Students should complete the following activities from APEX English Language Arts 6 course.

APEX Lesson – Theme Unit 1: Elements of Literature Lesson: Theme: A work’s theme is sometimes hidden in plain view.

Lesson Objectives:

Recognize that the theme is the underlying central idea or message that runs through a work of

literature.

Identify details in a text that help determine the theme.

Lesson Directions: 1. Read the information about theme versus topic and using details to identify a text’s theme.

2. Complete the Study Guide

3. Complete the assessment of your learning

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Information – Themes The theme is the underlying central idea or message that runs through a work of literature. A theme is the

message that runs through a story.

A theme is different from a topic. A topic answers the question "What is this story about?," while a theme

answers the question "Why was the story written?"

Read the summary of Jerry Spinelli's novel Stargirl and then notice the differences between the theme and topic

statements.

When Stargirl Caraway comes to Mica High School, Leo Borlock is fascinated by her uniqueness. She dresses differently, plays the ukulele at lunch, and does a random act of kindness every day. At first, Stargirl is very popular, and she and Leo fall in love. But soon, the students of Mica High start making fun of her differences. Leo asks Stargirl to start "acting normal," but she knows that her special qualities make her who she is. After enchanting all the students, including Leo, at the Ocotillo Ball, Stargirl disappears. Leo is upset and spends the rest of his life regretting his treatment of Stargirl and trying to find her again.

Topic

Stargirl is made fun of because she is different.

Theme

It is important to accept people for who they are.

Here are some more examples of topics and themes: Notice the different pronouns used in each example.

Topic Bart and Elliot are best friends.

Lydia thought she would get the lead in the musical even though she couldn't sing.

Theme Friendship is a gift.

It's important to be honest with yourself.

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Information – Finding a Theme through Details A theme is the message an author wants a reader to understand after reading a story. Themes are very general

and don't mention specific characters or events from the story.

Read the passage below. The theme is, “Beauty can come from unexpected places.”

Victor was so disappointed. He had wanted the day to be sunny so that he could paint a cheerful watercolor to give to his sister. But the sky was gray, and the clouds over the water made the whole world seem like it was wrapped in fog. The more he looked, though, the more the gray seemed to have colors – very pale yellows and purples and pinks. He took his paints out and looked carefully at the clouds and water. Slowly, he painted what he saw, and he would up with a painting that wasn’t gloomy or sad but full of surprising color and light.

Notice how the identified details help reveal the story’s theme.

Detail How it helps reveal the theme

He had wanted the day to be sunny so that he could paint a cheerful watercolor to give to his sister.

Victor wants to paint a picture of a sunny day.

But the sky was gray, and the clouds over the water made the whole world seem like it was wrapped in fog.

The fact that it's not sunny ruins Victor's plans.

Slowly, he painted what he saw, and he would up with a painting that wasn’t gloomy or sad but full of surprising color and light.

Victor begins to paint anyway and ends up with a beautiful painting even though the day isn't sunny.

Looking at details in the text can help you determine the theme. The details in a story often help reveal the

theme.

Explore the passage to see how the details communicate the story's theme “Don’t judge people on their

appearance.”

Inga was tiny. She only came up to Shelby's shoulder, and she was very thin. Shelby thought Inga was weak and powerless. One day, Shelby walked past a tae kwon do studio. Through the window, she could see students in white uniforms making high kicks and quick, powerful punches. And Inga was one of the students! As Shelby watched, the tiny girl broke a stack of boards with the side of her hand in one quick movement. Shelby was amazed and decided she'd underestimated Inga.

Detail How it helps reveal the theme

Shelby thought Inga was weak and powerless. Shelby was amazed and decided she'd underestimated Inga.

As Shelby watched, the tiny girl broke a stack of boards with the side of her hand in one quick movement.

Here, Inga shows that she is not weak by breaking a series of boards with only her hand.

Shelby was amazed and decided she'd underestimated Inga.

Shelby was amazed and decided she'd underestimated Inga.

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Review – Theme

A theme is the central idea or message that runs through a work of literature. It can be expressed in a

complete sentence.

The theme is different from the topic. For example, you might read a story

about Julia, who spent months digging a hole in her backyard and finds a

wooly mammoth. Finding the wooly mammoth is the topic. The theme

might be something like hard work can have fantastic rewards.

Hmm, I wonder if there's a wooly mammoth in my backyard.

A theme isn't always obvious. Sometimes, it's important to

read closely and look at the details in the story to find its

theme. For example, Julia's story doesn't come right out

and say, hard work can have fantastic rewards. Instead, the

details show us how hard Julia is working and make it clear

that it's her hard work that allowed her to find something

as cool as a wooly mammoth.

So just like Julia, you can dig up themes by reading closely and looking at the details. And digging up

themes won't mess up your yard or take up so much space in your bedroom. Just remember to think

about what message the author is trying to convey, even if it's not obvious. That message, or

underlying idea, is the theme. Can you dig it?

Key Terms:

Theme: An underlying central idea or message that runs through a work of literature, which can be

expressed in a complete sentence.

Details

“She dug and dug and dug…”

“…spending hours…”

“…her hands were raw and sore…”

“Suddenly a wooly mammoth

appeared!”

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Study Guide – Theme Use this guide to take notes as you work through the activity. Taking good notes can help you remember

important ideas. Your notes on this guide will help you prepare for quizzes and tests.

Using you own words, briefly explain how theme is different from a topic.

Decide whether each statement more likely presents a story theme or a story topic. Write theme or topic in

the spaces provided.

People often have a hard time escaping the past.

A college student returns home for her sister's graduation.

Bruce builds a robot that ends up stealing all his money.

The elderly can teach us a lot about life.

Complete the sentences with the words below by circling the word that applies.

Themes / Topics can include specific information about what takes place in a story.

Themes / Topics are general and don’t mention specific characters or events from a story.

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Match each detail to the theme it would best support.

Detail Theme

Ben was surprised to hear beautiful music coming through an open window in the big old haunted-looking house on the corner.

Hard work has rewards.

At the chess match, Gina sat down across from her best friend, Monroe. Even though they were competing, Monroe gave her a wink and whispered, “Good luck!”

True friends are always there for you.

For three sunny weekends, Kayn missed hanging out with his friends because he was helping his grandfather fix his bathroom. But when they finally finished, his grandfather surprised him with passes for Kyan and his friends to the local swimming pool.

You shouldn’t judge by appearances.

Which sentence from the story best supports the theme, “It’s important to focus attention on the right

things.”

Damian had the best project in the science fair — he just knew it! His project was about how the size of parachutes affected their flight. He'd spent a lot of time designing and painting little people to attach to the parachutes, even though it wasn't necessary for his project. In fact, he had spent so much time on the people that he hadn't spent any time making sure the parachutes worked. But the project had so much detail that he knew he would win. When the judges tested his parachutes, they didn't fly. The judges weren't impressed by the detail on the people at all, and Damian didn't even place in the top 10.

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Assessment – Theme 1. What is a theme?

a. The events that occur in a story

b. The description of setting in a story

c. The underlying message in a story

d. The conflict in the story

2. Determine whether each example most likely reflects the theme or topic of a passage

The ecosystem of the Sahara desert

Trust is one of the most important parts of friendship.

Kindness

Trusting our instincts helps us make better decisions in life.

3. Which statement is most likely a theme of a work of fiction?

a. It is sometimes better not to get what you want.

b. Our county is home to at least five species of butterflies.

c. John decides to practice harder to make the soccer team.

d. The leopard is one of the fastest animals in the world.

4. Which answer option best states a theme from the passage?

Claire wanted to play on her school's soccer team, but she knew that she needed to practice to become a better player. Every day during the summer, Claire and her friend Jill practiced passing, dribbling, and shooting the ball. When school started, Claire tried out for the team. After tryouts, the coach posted a list of those who made the team. Claire did not see her name on the list. Although she felt disappointed, Claire knew that she had done her best. The next day, the track coach asked Claire to join the track team. The coach had seen Claire's soccer tryout and thought that she would be a great sprinter. Claire joined and helped the team win the county championship.

a. New opportunities can come from disappointing situations.

b. Claire does not make the soccer team and joins the track team.

c. Hard work and determination will help you achieve your goals.

d. Claire helps her school's track team win the county championship.

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5. Which answer option best states a theme from the passage?

Ariel thought that Toni's idea for their presentation would be too difficult to pull off. Too many things could go wrong. Everyone else would be reading from note cards, so why should their group present their information in the form of a play?

Toni insisted it would be a great idea. It would surprise Mr. Pink, and both girls would be sure to get at least a B just for doing something different.

Ariel finally agreed to go along with Toni's plan. They made costumes and wrote a script that they practiced for a week. After they gave their presentation, Mr. Pink was surprised and pleased. He gave Ariel and Toni the only As in the class.

a. Ariel and Toni plan the presentation for their class.

b. Doing the unexpected can lead to great rewards.

c. Ariel and Toni get a good grade for their presentation.

d. Just getting by is all that matters in the end.

6. Which part of the passage gives you the best clue about the passage’s theme?

Theme: Treating others with kindness can be a sign of confidence Tia read through her note cards as she prepared for the debate. As she studied, Emma approached and mockingly wished Tia good luck. "You have no chance of winning today," Emma sneered. Tia was confident in her debating skills, so she just wished Emma good luck and continued to study her notes.

a. Tia read through her note cards as she prepared for the debate.

b. As she studied, Emma approached and mockingly wished Tia good luck.

c. "You have no chance of winning today," Emma sneered.

d. Tia was confident in her debating skills, so she just wished Emma good luck and continued to

study her notes.

7. Which part of the passage gives you the best clue about the passage’s theme?

Theme: You please no one when you try to please everyone. Sofia sat on the gym floor and painted a banner for the pep rally. While she painted, several classmates walked by and suggested ways to improve the banner. Sofia did her best to include all of the suggestions. When she finished adding in everyone's ideas, Sofia stepped back and realized that she would need to make a new banner.

a. Tia read through her note cards as she prepared for the debate.

b. As she studied, Emma approached and mockingly wished Tia good luck.

c. "You have no chance of winning today," Emma sneered.

d. Tia was confident in her debating skills, so she just wished Emma good luck and continued to

study her notes.

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8. Determine the theme of this passage. Then, describe the evidence from the text that supports the

theme you identified.

Oskar loved to look through his father's telescope. He was fascinated by the stars and planets, and on clear nights, his father would set the telescope up and tell Oskar stories about the constellations. Then, one night, when his parents were asleep, Oskar set the telescope up secretly by himself. He tried to adjust the focus, but when he turned a knob, it broke in his hand! He was terrified. He put the broken telescope away and spent the whole night in fear of what would happen if he confessed to his father. But in the morning, he gathered his nerve and told his father what he had done. His father was silent for a moment, then hugged Oskar. "I know it was hard for you to admit that," he said, "but I also know how much you love the stars and planets. Let's fix it together so you can learn more about how telescopes work."

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Name: __________________________________________ School: ______________________

Teacher: ________________________________________ Period: ______________________

Packet Directions for Students Students should complete the following activities from APEX English Language Arts 6 course.

APEX Lesson – Characterization Unit 1: Elements of Literature Lesson: Characterization: Unexpected choices can make your characters come alive.

Lesson Objectives:

Identify how authors create a character's personality through characterization.

Analyze how dialogue can help convey character.

Determine how a character's response to conflict can provide characterization.

Lesson Directions: 1. Read the information about how authors create characterization and their use of dialogue.

2. Complete the Study Guide.

3. Complete the assessment of your learning.

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Information – Characterization Characterization is the process of creating a character's personality or image. Authors use many different

literary techniques to make each character come alive for the reader.

The table below contains excerpts from the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, to see how each literary

technique can help bring characters to life.

Literary Technique Excerpt from Little Women

Dialogue A character's dialogue, or what he or she says, reveals a lot about that character's personality. In the example, the dialogue reveals that Meg cares a great deal about appearance, while Jo does not.

“[My gloves] are spoiled with lemonade, and I can’t get any new ones, so I shall have to go without,” said Jo…

You must have gloves, or I won’t go,” cried Meg decidedly. “Gloves are more important than anything else; you can’t dance without them, and if you don’t I should be so mortified.”

Then I’ll stay still. I don’t care much for company dancing.”

Dialect Dialect includes accents, word choice, or other elements that pertain to a specific time and place. Jo March grew up in the late 1800s, so her dialect is different from a modern person's.

“Oh, oh, oh! what have you done? I’m spoilt! I can’t go! my hair, oh my hair!” wailed Meg, looking with despair at the uneven frizzle on her forehead.

Description Description is used to show how the character looks and acts. Notice how the author describes Jo's physical appearance so the reader can picture her.

Jo…never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful.

Conflict How a character responds to conflict reveals a lot about who that character is. In the example, Jo's younger sister Amy burns Jo's writing journal. Jo responds in anger to this conflict, revealing that she is hot tempered and stubborn.

“You wicked, wicked girl! I never can write it again, and I’ll never forgive you as long as I live.”

Meg flew to rescue Amy, and Beth to pacify Jo, but Jo was quite beside herself; and, with a parting box on her sister’s ear, she rushed out of the room up to the old sofa in the garrett, and finished her fight alone.

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Here is another passage to see how each element of characterization reveals something about the character

named, Igor.

Igor walked into the dining room, dressed in his white gloves and long black tuxedo jacket. His shoes tapped lightly against the marble floor as he walked tall and straight, approaching the woman's chair. "You called for me, Madame?" he said. "I'm surprised at you, Igor," the woman said, holding out a single spoon. "This silver is not polished." In a flash the butler had retrieved the spoon, hiding his confusion. The spoon was perfectly clean. "I sincerely apologize, Madame. If you would be so kind as to pardon the oversight, I would be most grateful. And I assure you: The error shall not be repeated." "I demand that you go through the rest of the silverware to make sure the rest aren't as dirty as that spoon," the woman said, turning away. Igor bowed his head and didn't speak another word. He walked out of the room to complete his task, taking the "dirty" spoon with him.

Detail How it helps reveal Igor’s character

Igor walked into the dining room, dressed in his white gloves and long black tuxedo jacket. His shoes tapped lightly against the marble floor as he walked tall and straight, approaching the woman's chair. "You called for me, Madame?" he said.

The physical description of Igor shows that he is a well-dressed and proper butler, most likely in a very wealthy home.

"I sincerely apologize, Madame. If you would be so kind as to pardon the oversight, I would be most grateful. And I assure you: The error shall not be repeated."

Igor speaks in very proper English dialect, using words like "shall" and "Madame." Also notice how he says things like, "sincerely apologize" and "if you would be so kind."

Igor bowed his head and didn't speak another word. He walked out of the room to complete his task, taking the "dirty" spoon with him.

Instead of confronting the woman with the fact that the spoon is not dirty, Igor calmly apologizes and leaves the room. His response to the conflict shows that he is calm and takes his duties seriously, even when faced with illogical demands.

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Information – Dialogue Dialogue can help convey character. Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a story.

What a character says reveals a lot about who that character is.

Explore the passage to find out what information the dialogue reveals about each character.

"C'mon! Go ask him, ya coward," Ramona said to Jean, nudging her forward.

"I dunno . . . I just . . . It doesn't seem like the right time . . . Maybe later . . . Or . . . I dunno."

Ramona put her hands on her hips, leering at her friend. "If you wait until later, someone else might ask him! Go!"

Jean took short, hesitant steps to Umberto. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she said, "H-hey. Um. Hi, Umberto."

Umberto smiled. "Hi, Jean. How's it going?"

"Good. Um, well . . . I was just wondering. If . . . well . . . Would I like to go to the dance with you?" She blushed when she realized her mistake. "I mean . . . you . . . with me . . . to the dance."

Umberto laughed. "Sure. Sounds fun."

Ramona was grinning when Jean returned. "See? I told you it would be easy."

Dialogue How it reveals information about a character

"C'mon! Go ask him, ya coward," You can tell from the use of slang ("c'mon," "ya") and the way she calls Jean a "coward" that Ramona is the more outgoing and bossy of the two.

"I dunno . . . I just . . . It doesn't seem like the right time . . . Maybe later . . . Or . . . I dunno."

Notice how Jean keeps starting sentences she doesn't finish. The dialogue shows her to be shier and more hesitant than Ramona.

"H-hey. Um. Hi, Umberto." This dialogue shows that Jean is very nervous.

"Good. Um, well . . . I was just wondering. If . . . well . . . Would I like to go to the dance with you?" She blushed when she realized her mistake. "I mean . . . you . . . with me . . . to the dance."

Jean's halting speech confirms her shy nature and her nervousness. Notice also how she uses the wrong pronouns: "Would I like to go to the dance with you?"

"See? I told you it would be easy." This final line reveals Ramona's confidence that Umberto would accept Jean's invitation to the dance.

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Information – Dialect Dialect can also provide characterization. The use of dialect often shows informality and can establish that:

A character is out of place in a certain situation.

A character, in using informal language, is comfortable being himself or herself.

Explore the passage to see how dialect can provide more information about Ryder McAllister's character.

Ryder McAllister was meeting with Headmaster Winthrop and several members of Excelsior Prep's executive board. Excelsior Prep was the most important preparatory high school in the country. Recently, the school had received a large donation from Ryder's company. "Mr. McAllister," said Headmaster Winthrop, "we're delighted that you could meet with us today." "Aw shucks, Winthrop," said Ryder with a laugh. "I was gonna come up and pay a visit to my boy anyhow." "Yes, Daniel seems like a wonderful young man," said Sharon Davies, a board member. "Danny? Yeah, he's a good one, that boy." "Well, Mr. McAllister," said Headmaster Winthrop, "If you're ready, we'd like to discuss your generous donation." Ryder clapped his hands together. "Yes, sirree, I got some ideas for all that dough!" The group laughed, anxious to hear Ryder's ideas.

Dialect How it reveals information about Ryder McAllister

"Mr. McAllister," said Headmaster Winthrop, "we're delighted that you could meet with us today."

Headmaster Winthrop uses formal language, which seems to go with his role as the headmaster of a prestigious school.

"Aw shucks, Winthrop," said Ryder with a laugh. "I was gonna come up and pay a visit to my boy anyhow."

In direct contrast with Headmaster Winthrop, Ryder uses informal language and dialect to show that he may be out of place in these surroundings.

"Danny? Yeah, he's a good one, that boy."

Though the others present have used a more formal way of speaking, Ryder continues to use dialect and informal language. This might reveal that he is comfortable with who he is and doesn't need to change his speech to fit his surroundings.

The group laughed, anxious to hear Ryder's ideas.

The group's positive response to Ryder's comments shows that Headmaster Winthrop and the board members accept Ryder for who he is, despite his continued use of dialect and informal language.

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Information – Conflict and Characterization A character's response to conflict can provide characterization. A character's actions can reveal a lot about who

that character is. This is especially true when a character responds to conflict.

Conflict can be external conflict and come from an outside force (another character, nature, society) or internal

conflict and come from inside the character's own mind (self-doubt, anger, pride).

Explore the passage to see what Alison's response to conflict reveals about her character.

Alison loved dancing more than anything else in the world. When her school announced it was cutting dance class because of a lack of funding, Alison went to the school administrator. Ms. Kotchoff, a stern woman, listened to Alison's pleas. "I appreciate your passion, Alison. But there's nothing I can do," Ms. Kotchoff said firmly. "We don't have enough money for dance." But Alison was determined to find a way to keep the dance classes. After reaching out to all of her dancer friends, she put together a series of community events throughout the month of August. It was a lot of work, but the money raised from the events turned out to be more than enough to save the dance program.

Dialect How it reveals information about Alison

Alison loved dancing more than anything else in the world. When her school announced it was cutting dance class because of a lack of funding, Alison went to the school administrator. Ms. Kotchoff, a stern woman, listened to Alison's pleas.

This introduces the main conflict: Alison's beloved dance classes are getting cut.

But Alison was determined to find a way to keep the dance classes.

Alison's determination to save the dance classes reveals that she never gives up.

she put together a series of community events throughout the month of August

This sentence reveals that Alison is persistent, hardworking, and willing to do whatever it takes to fight for her interests.

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Review – Characterization

Have you ever read a book where you felt like the character was a real person? How does an author do that?

Well, it's called characterization. Characterization is the process an author uses to create a character's

personality or image.

Authors do this by using a number of narrative techniques to make the characters jump off the page.

One technique an author uses is description. What does the character look like? Is he or she tall, or short?

Graceful, or clumsy? These kinds of written descriptions help to create an image in the reader's mind.

Another technique is dialogue. You can learn a lot in a story by paying attention to what one character says to

another character. Check out this example.

"I'm tired of practicing the same tennis exercises "over and over!" Freddie yelled. "It's pointless!

We're never going to get better!"

"Don't say that," said his friend Janice. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but we're improving more

each day. Just relax and try to enjoy what you're doing!"

In this example, we can see that Freddie is impatient, angry, and feels defeated, more easily than his friend

Janice. Janice on the other hand is calm and reassuring.

Another way to provide information about a character is to show how that character responds to conflict.

Conflict can be anything from an argument with a friend, to something bigger, like a struggle to survive in

nature.

Let's say there's a story about a corn farmer named Mona. When her corn field is destroyed by a swarm of

grasshoppers, does she work tirelessly to replant what she's lost? Or does she give up farming and move to the

city? The answer will reveal a lot about Mona's character.

Without great characters, a story can seem flat or uninteresting. That's why authors put so much work into

characterization. They want their readers to care.

Key Terms:

Character: A person, animal, or object in a story.

Characterization: The process of creating a character's personality or image.

Dialogue: Conversation between two or more characters in a literary text.

Dialect: A way of speaking that is particular to a specific place; its words, the way those words are said,

and the spelling of those words are slightly different from those used by other people who speak the

same language.

Conflict: A struggle or problem.

Internal Conflict: A struggle that happens within a character.

External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an external force.

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Study Guide – Characterization Use this guide to take notes as you work through the activity. Taking good notes can help you remember

important ideas. Your notes on this guide will help you prepare for quizzes and tests.

Complete the table below by identifying which literary technique is used in each example.

Dialogue Dialect Description Conflict

Jerry mumbled to himself as he pulled on his boots. "Ain't no soul in

three counties wanting to wander out when the snow's blowin' like a

hornet-stung steer."

Jerry couldn't decide which would be worse: going out in the blizzard to

get more firewood or staying inside and hearing his children suffer from

the cold.

Jerry pulled on his wool sweater over his shirt. The scratchy fibers of

the wool against the wind-hardened skin on the back of his neck were

more comfort than irritation.

"It's so cold in here, Dad!" "Put on your sweater," Jerry said absently, as he poured pancake batter

into the skillet. "I'll see about a fire."

Circle the dialogue that best shows that Aaron does NOT want to help Sam

Sam and his little sister see Aaron at a baseball game. Sam asks Aaron if he can keep an eye on his sister while he

runs to the snack bar. Circle the response that would best show that Aaron does not want to help Sam.

"Sure, no problem." "What's your sister's name?"

"I have to run to the bathroom first; can you give me 5 minutes?"

"I didn't come to the baseball game so I could babysit."

“Look at this. I just caught a foul ball.” "Would you mind grabbing me a bottle of water

while you're there?"

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What does the dialect in this sentence tell you about the character?

"Well y'all aren't gonna believe it, but let me tell you, honey chile, I'm gonna win that biscuit-baking

contest, or my name isn't Betsy Lee Robinson."

Match each detail to the theme it would best support.

Detail Theme

External conflict with another character

Shane watched the wind whip the tree branches around furiously. Her flight was in three hours; would the storm cause the airline to cancel the flight?

External conflict with nature

Once again, Dionne had made Toni late. Toni needed to find a way to tell Dionne to get more organized or Toni would start riding to school with someone else.

External conflict with society

Bobby took a deep breath. He knew he had to get over his fear of swimming or he would never get to spend the summer on his uncle’s boat.

Internal Conflict

Everyone started at Gina as she walked down the street, singing. Nothing she did seemed acceptable to the people around her.

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Assessment – Characterization 1. What is the definition of characterization?

a. The perspective from which a writer tells a story

b. The process of creating a character's personality or image

c. Discussion between characters in a story

d. The obstacles a character must overcome

2. Determine whether each example characterizes Toby mainly through dialect, description, or response to

conflict.

The evil ninja robot jumped in front of Toby with a flailing of arms and legs. "Not today," said Toby, coolly shoving the machine aside.

From his campsite, Toby saw a majestic sunrise spread across the horizon. "Yep. Gonna be one peach of a day, you betcha," he said.

Toby was barely five feet tall, but he had excellent posture and the confidence of a giant. "It's what's inside that counts," he was fond of saying.

3. Choose the section of text that best uses description to characterize Edna.

Suzie and Edna looked up at the maple tree, a great tangle of fiery autumn leaves.

"Someone should cut this thing down," said Suzie. "It's blocking the light from our backyard." Edna pulled an old tissue from the clutter of her purse and dabbed a tear, remembering the maple trees from her childhood farm.

"I think it's wonderful, Suzie. And I won't let you lay a finger on it."

Suzie crossed her arms and huffed, and then stormed out as she always did when someone challenged her opinion.

a. Suzie and Edna looked up at the maple tree, a great tangle of fiery autumn leaves.

b. Edna pulled an old tissue from the clutter of her purse and dabbed a tear, remembering the

maple trees from her childhood farm.

c. "I think it's wonderful, Suzie. And I won't let you lay a finger on it."

d. Suzie crossed her arms and huffed, and then stormed out as she always did when someone

challenged her opinion.opportunities can come from disappointing situations.

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4. Which statement best explains what Logan's dialogue reveals about his character?

Logan ran to his older cousin Abby as soon as she walked in. "Abby! Come up to my room! Come see my new toy!" Abby followed the six-year-old up the steps and to his room. He opened the door. Abby saw a complete mess. Unfolded clothes were thrown on the bed and dressers. It looked like the toy box had exploded. Blocks, action figures, and other toys were thrown all over the floor. "Come on, Abby!" exclaimed Logan, tugging on her arm. "It's over here!" Abby didn't want to go any farther, but she let Logan pull her into the room. "Here it is!" said Logan, holding up an action figure. "Want to play?" "Of course," replied Abby, as she smiled warmly at Logan. "I love playing with my favorite cousin." She picked up a toy and sat on the bedroom floor.

a. Logan shouts Abby's name when she walks in, which shows that he is excited to see Abby and

play with her.

b. Logan did not clean his room before Abby arrives, which shows that he does not take care of his

things.

c. Logan encourages Abby to come into his messy room, which shows how important it is to be

persistent.

d. Logan acts ashamed about his messy room, which shows the importance of being neat and

orderly.

5. Which statement best explains what Kalil's response to a conflict reveals about his character?

Since kindergarten, Kalil had easily won every spelling bee he'd competed in. He liked to show off during the spelling bees, pretending he was confused before blurting out the correct spelling at the last second. This time, though, he and Jeana had been battling out the hard words for at least 10 rounds. He'd never had this kind of competition before! Finally, in the 15th round, Jeana won! Kalil couldn't believe it. He walked over to Jeana and gave her a high-five. "It's great to finally be challenged, Jeana!" he said with a grin.

a. Kalil's reaction to Jeana's win shows that he blames other people when he doesn't reach his

goals.

b. Kalil's reaction to losing the spelling bee shows that he gives up too easily when anyone

challenges him.

c. Kalil's reaction to Jeana's win shows that he thinks he'll beat her in the next competition.

d. Kalil's reaction to losing the spelling bee shows that he is gracious and appreciates the talents of

other people.

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6. Read the passage below. Then, explain how Duke's use of dialect and his response to conflict provide

characterization. Write one or two paragraphs using specific examples from the passage to support your

response.

In New York City, in the boardroom of the tallest skyscraper, Duke leaned back in the leather chair, hiked up the dirt-crusted bottoms of his blue jeans, and propped his cowboy boots up on the glass conference table. He looked across at BenCorp's CEO, Ralph Jacobs, who wore a suit and tie. Other businesspeople were sitting around the long table.

"Let me tell you something, pardner, this is some kinda setup ya'll got here," Duke chuckled.

"Indeed," sniffed Jacobs, barely hiding his contempt. "Let me take this opportunity to express my disappointment with your father's business decision."

"How's that, now?"

"For the duration of your father's medical leave, I should have been promoted to acting president, not you. You have no experience at anything. I do not respect you. Therefore, if I may speak frankly, I will have a very difficult time taking orders from you."

"That a threat?"

"I'm merely expressing my distaste for the current leadership structure of this company," said Jacobs. Duke smiled.

"Go on, then. Git."

"Pardon me?"

"Git. I'm putting you out to pasture. Don't want varmints near the crops." Jacobs stared in disbelief, furious, then rose quickly and stormed out.

"Anybody else want a showdown?" The others avoided eye contact and rapidly shook their heads. "Alright, then. Let's get down to business. There's a new sheriff in town, and him and his posse — that's y'all, by the way — are going to get this company back up topside where it belongs!"

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25

Study Guide Answers

Theme Using you own words, briefly explain how theme is different from a topic.

Sample Answer: The topic just tells you what the story is about. For example, Harry Potter is about wizards going

to a school. Theme tells you what the author is teaching you about life. Harry Potter shows that love and

friendship will conquer all no matter the obstacles.

Decide whether each statement more likely presents a story theme or a story topic. Write theme or topic in

the spaces provided.

Theme People often have a hard time escaping the past.

Topic A college student returns home for her sister's graduation.

Topic Bruce builds a robot that ends up stealing all his money.

Theme The elderly can teach us a lot about life.

Complete the sentences with the words below by circling the word that applies.

Themes / Topics can include specific information about what takes place in a story.

Themes / Topics are general and don’t mention specific characters or events from a story.

Match each detail to the theme it would best support.

Detail Theme

Ben was surprised to hear beautiful music coming through an open window in the big old haunted-looking house on the corner.

Hard work has rewards.

At the chess match, Gina sat down across from her best friend, Monroe. Even though they were competing, Monroe gave her a wink and whispered, “Good luck!”

True friends are always there for you.

For three sunny weekends, Kayn missed hanging out with his friends because he was helping his grandfather fix his bathroom. But when they finally finished, his grandfather surprised him with passes for Kyan and his friends to the local swimming pool.

You shouldn’t judge by appearances.

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Which sentence from the story best supports the theme, “It’s important to focus attention on the right

things.”

Damian had the best project in the science fair — he just knew it! His project was about how the size of

parachutes affected their flight. He'd spent a lot of time designing and painting little people to attach to the

parachutes, even though it wasn't necessary for his project. In fact, he had spent so much time on the people

that he hadn't spent any time making sure the parachutes worked. But the project had so much detail that he

knew he would win. When the judges tested his parachutes, they didn't fly. The judges weren't impressed by

the detail on the people at all, and Damian didn't even place in the top 10.

Characterization Complete the table below by identifying which literary technique is used in each example.

Dialect Jerry mumbled to himself as he pulled on his boots. "Ain't no soul in three counties wanting to

wander out when the snow's blowin' like a hornet-stung steer."

Conflict Jerry couldn't decide which would be worse: going out in the blizzard to get more firewood or

staying inside and hearing his children suffer from the cold.

Description Jerry pulled on his wool sweater over his shirt. The scratchy fibers of the wool against the

wind-hardened skin on the back of his neck were more comfort than irritation.

Dialogue

"It's so cold in here, Dad!" "Put on your sweater," Jerry said absently, as he poured pancake batter into the skillet. "I'll see

about a fire."

Circle the dialogue that best shows that Aaron does NOT want to help Sam

Sam and his little sister see Aaron at a baseball game. Sam asks Aaron if he can keep an eye on his sister while he

runs to the snack bar. Circle the response that would best show that Aaron does not want to help Sam.

"Sure, no problem." "What's your sister's name?"

"I have to run to the bathroom first; can you give me 5 minutes?"

"I didn't come to the baseball game so I could babysit."

“Look at this. I just caught a foul ball.” "Would you mind grabbing me a bottle of water

while you're there?"

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What does the dialect in this sentence tell you about the character?

"Well y'all aren't gonna believe it, but let me tell you, honey chile, I'm gonna win that biscuit-baking

contest, or my name isn't Betsy Lee Robinson."

Sample Response: The dialect tells the reader that the character is using informal language. The phrases such as

“y’all”, “gonna”, and “honey chile” gives clues to the character. The character could be from the country because

they are stereotypical phrases used to represent people from the rural areas.

Match each detail to the theme it would best support.

Detail Theme

External conflict with another character

Shane watched the wind whip the tree branches around furiously. Her flight was in three hours; would the storm cause the airline to cancel the flight?

External conflict with nature

Once again, Dionne had made Toni late. Toni needed to find a way to tell Dionne to get more organized or Toni would start riding to school with someone else.

External conflict with society

Bobby took a deep breath. He knew he had to get over his fear of swimming or he would never get to spend the summer on his uncle’s boat.

Internal Conflict

Everyone started at Gina as she walked down the street, singing. Nothing she did seemed acceptable to the people around her.

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Extensions Here are additional readings to support learning for the week. These are optional, and

the purpose is to provide high-quality texts for middle school students to read. Poppy’s Jalopy by Caroline Pignat

The House Dog and the Wolf by Gail Terp

“Ain’t I a Woman” by Sojourner Truth

“Standing Out in the Herd” by Cecil Dzwowa

Chiron, the Wisest Centaur, by Meredith Engel

Reading is thinking, and it is beneficial to write about your thinking after you read. Here are some

sentence starters is you need them

I felt confused when…and so I… The part…was…because… I figured out that…

I read…pages because I was…;

tomorrow I plan on…

A word/phrase I did not completely

understand:

I only read…because…next time

I’ll…by…

I finally understood…because… I stopped because…What I did next

was…

I remembered that earlier in the

text…

I started to think about…and so I… I was distracted by…but then I… The time went quickly because…

I got stuck when…What I did was… I lost track of everything except… I first thought…but then realized…

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Poppy’s Jalopy Caroline Pignat

Caroline Pignat is an Irish Canadian author who has written for Highlights. In this poem, a speaker describes their grandfather’s car. As you read, take notes on the words that the speaker uses to describe the car. Also, pause after each break to double-check your understanding of the story.

Poppy's jalopy 1is older than dirt

The bumper's all busted.

The squirter won't squirt.

The passenger door's tied shut with brown twine,

but I can climb through the window and get in just fine.

It's missing a hood.

The trunk doesn't close.

But the dice have some fuzz, and the horn sort of blows.

It's rusty and dusty,

our trusty jalopy. Just perfect for trips made by me and my Poppy.

How would you describe Poppy’s jalopy?

Poppy sticks in the key, shifts into gear,

turns the big wooden wheel that he uses to steer.

We chug down the lane through the sleepy old town,

past the Thank you for visiting! sign that fell down,

then ride the wide highway from all that we know

to places that Poppy and I want to go.

We drive out to see Niagara falls

and whether Old Faithful 2is faithful at all.

Loop-the-loop in the canyon — it really is grand,

drive deep in the jungle,

get stuck in quicksand3.

Do a dinosaur dig among red desert rocks,

tailgate some camels ‘round pyramid blocks,

wake a volcano, find the lost city…twice,

ride an iceberg ferry in oceans of ice.

Drive till north becomes south,

then we’re headed back down.

Take a left at the fork —

and we’re home in our town.

1 Jalopy: An old car 2 Old Faithful: a fountain-like jet of water located in Yellowstone National Park 3 Quicksand: loose wet sand that can suck in anything resting on or falling into it

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Describe where the speaker and their Poppy go in the car.

Poppy's jalopy is battered and worn.

The rusty paint's chipped.

The leather is torn.

For years it's been sitting behind the woodshed.

The tires are flat.

The motor is dead.

It's rusty and dusty,

our trusty jalopy.

Just right for those trips made by me and my Poppy.

Adventures galore4, all in one afternoon...

Tomorrow we're planning to swing by the moon!

Does the speaker and their Poppy really go on these trips?

4 Galore (adjective ) : in large numbers

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The House Dog and the Wolf Gail Terp

This story is based on a fable originally written by Aesop. Aesop was a storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 560 BCE. Aesop's fables, which did not survive in writing but were passed down by people retelling them, have deeply influenced modern storytelling culture. As you read, take notes on how the Dog and Wolf view their own lives, as well as one another’s lives. Also, pause after each break to double-check your understanding of the story.

It had been a long and miserable winter for Wolf. His hunting had not gone well for many weeks and his ribs

were nearly sticking through his skin.

One night, as Wolf was out seeking something to eat, he met a house dog.

“You are looking very well, Cousin,” said Wolf. “Here I am, near starvation, and you are clearly well-fed. What is

your secret?”

“Oh, there is no secret,” said Dog. “I simply have a wonderful job. I guard my master’s house and keep away any

thieves. In return, he treats me very well.”

“Lucky for you! If only I had it so easy. For me, life is a constant struggle.”

“But you can have this grand life, too,” said Dog. “Just travel with me to my master’s house and help me keep

the thieves away.”

“Happily,” said Wolf. “I’d love to have a belly full of food for a change.”

Why does Wolf agree to go with Dog?

While they were trotting along together, Wolf spotted a mark on Dog’s neck. Curious, he asked what had caused

it.

“Oh, that’s nothing much,” replied Dog. “Perhaps my collar was a little tight.”

“You wear a collar?” Wolf backed away from Dog.

“That’s nothing to worry about," said Dog. "I wear a collar so my master can hook my chain to it."

“You are chained?” cried Wolf in surprise. “You mean you are not free to go wherever you please?”

“Not exactly,” said the dog, looking embarrassed. “You see, my master thinks I’m a bit wild and so he ties me up

in the daytime. But he lets me run free at night.”

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Wolf backed a few more steps away from Dog.

“Wolf, it’s a good deal,” said Dog. “I get plenty of sleep during the day, and then I am free at night. I am my

master's favorite and he feeds me very well.”

Wolf turned and started to walk toward the forest.

“But wait, where are you going?” cried Dog.

“Good night to you, poor Cousin,” said Wolf. “You are welcome to your grand life — and your chains. As for me,

I will keep my freedom.”

Moral: Lean freedom is better than fat slavery.

Why does Wolf turn around?

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Ain’t I a Woman” Sojouner Truth

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) was an African American women’s rights activist and abolitionist who fought to end slavery. Truth was born into slavery but escaped to freedom in 1826. “Ain’t I a Woman?” is her most famous speech, which she delivered without preparation at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. As you read, take notes on what evidence Truth presents to support her claim that women should have equal rights. Also, pause after each break to double-check your understanding of the story.

May I say a few words? I want to say a few words about this matter. I am a woman’s rights.

I have as much muscle as any man, and can do as much work as any man. I have plowed and reaped 5and

husked and chopped and mowed, and can any man do more than that? I have heard much about the sexes

being equal; I can carry as much as any man, and can eat as much too, if I can get it. I am as strong as any man

that is now.

In comparison to men, Truth describes women as being…

As for intellect, all I can say is, if women have a pint and man a quart 6— why can’t she have her little pint full?

You need not be afraid to give us our rights for fear we will take too much, for we can’t take more than our

pint’ll hold.

The poor men seem to be all in confusion, and don’t know what to do. Why children, if you have woman’s

rights, give it to her and you will feel better. You will have your own rights, and they won’t be so much trouble.

Why does Truth think men are afraid to give women rights?

I can’t read, but I can hear. I have heard the bible and have learned that Eve 7caused man to sin. Well if woman

upset the world, do give her a chance to set it right side up again.

The Lady has spoken about Jesus, how he never spurned 8woman from him, and she was right. When

Lazarus 9died, Mary and Martha came to him with faith and love and besought him to raise their brother. And

Jesus wept — and Lazarus came forth. And how came Jesus into the world? Through God who created him and

woman who bore him10. Man, where is your part?

But the women are coming up blessed be God and a few of the men are coming up with them. But man is in a

tight place, the poor slave is on him, woman is coming on him, and he is surely between a hawk and a buzzard.

Truth describes men as…

5 Reaped: to cut or gather a crop or harvest 6 Quart: One quart is equivalent to two pints. 7 Eve: According to the Bible, Eve gives Adam fruit from a tree that God has forbidden them from eating from. 8 Spurn (verb) : to reject someone because you think they are beneath you 9 Lazarus: a follower of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha 10 In the Bible, the mother of Jesus is portrayed as a virgin.

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Standing Out in the Herd Cecil Dzwowa

In this informational text, Cecil Dzwowa describes how a giraffe named Toro finds a surprising new family. As you read, take notes on how the cows treat Toro. Also, pause after each break to double-check your understanding of the story.

For a cattle herder 11in Africa, the hardest part of the job is searching for cows lost in the bush12. But for 21-year-

old Andrew, a herder at a farm in Zimbabwe, the herd is easy to find. Once he spots Toro, he knows the rest of

the herd is nearby.

That’s because Toro (“tall one” in the Shona language) is not an ordinary member of the herd. He’s a giraffe.

Toro’s unusual situation came about after his mother was killed by lions in a nearby game park13. Toro survived

the attack, but he was left with no one to protect him or give him milk. The young giraffe might have become a

meal for lions or hyenas. He was also at risk of starving. But about two days later, some herders spotted and

rescued him.

Andrew saw the giraffe shortly after the animal’s rescue. “He looked very hungry and sick,” Andrew said. “He

really needed some help.”

Why did Toro need help?

TORO’S NEW FAMILY

Help was on its way. With the permission of the Department of Wildlife, the herders moved Toro to a farm close

to his original territory. A new herd awaited him — a herd of cattle instead of giraffes.

As the only wild animal in the herd, Toro received special attention. He was fed milk from a bottle, and

veterinarians gave him regular checkups. And who was watched most attentively by the herders? The tall one, of

course.

Since giraffes and cattle are both plant-eating animals that live in groups, their behaviors are much the same.

Toro was accepted into the herd and wandered among the cattle as they grazed14.

What special attention did Toro receive?

PEACE-LOVING MEMBER

Toro didn’t always behave like the other members of his new herd. Like many kinds of animals, cattle compete

for dominance15. Standing more than 13 feet tall, Toro was more than three times taller than the biggest bull.

But Toro never tried to be “the boss.”

11 Cattle herder: a person who cares for or drives herds of cattle 12 Bush: a stretch of land covered with wild vegetation or plant life 13 Game park: a large area of land where animals live safely or are hunted in a controlled way for sport 14 Graze: to eat grass in a field 15 Dominance (noun) : power and influence over others

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“He was mostly interested in their company,” Andrew told me. “He sometimes leaves the grazing cows to

browse on his own, but he is always quick to return to the herd.”

Soon, Toro had adjusted to the cattle lifestyle. Instead of feeding only on leaves, as giraffes do in the wild, he

added dry cornstalks to his diet. Like the cattle, he can now also respond to the herders’ commands, such as

“move” and “stop.”

At night, Toro joins the rest of the cattle in the kraal, a wooden enclosure in which cattle are sheltered. When

the herd enters the kraal, the cows and bulls push and shove. They sometimes get so aggressive that they even

gore 16one another for the right-of-way at the gate.

“But thanks to his height, Toro does not need to join the stampede,” said Vengai, Andrew’s assistant. “He just

lifts his long front legs effortlessly over the wooden poles, and he will be in.”

Describe how Toro gets along with the herd.

ABOVE THE CROWD

Toro has benefited from living with the cattle, but his presence is good for them, too. In hot weather, cattle rest

in the shade under his belly. And because of his height, Toro can spot lions, hyenas, and other predators long

before they come close to the herd.

The herd is not always peaceful. Fights sometimes break out among the bulls. But the cattle usually leave Toro

out of their disagreements.

Even if a bull did confront Toro, the giraffe would not be an easy target. Giraffes can deliver devastating 17kicks

and have been known to cause permanent injuries even to lions. In Andrew’s herd, the cattle seem to know this.

I asked a game ranger named Munetsi if Toro would ever be returned to the wild. The answer was no. “In the

wild, he would find it difficult to be accepted into another herd or defend himself from predators,” Munetsi said.

“He seems very much at home and respected among the cows.”

Why won’t Toro be reintroduced to the wild?

16 Gore: to pierce or stab with a horn or tusk 17 Devastating (adjective) : causing serious damage

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Chiron, the Wisest Centaur Meredith Engel

Centaurs are creatures that have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse and appear in various works of fiction and Greek mythology. One of the most well-known centaurs in Greek mythology is Chiron. In this fictional interview with Hermes, the Messenger of the Gods, Chiron discusses his life and his accomplishments. As you read, take notes on how the author describes Chiron’s character. Also, pause after each break to double-check your understanding of the story.

HERMES: This is Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, reporting for the Greek Mythology News Network, live from

Mount Pelion18. We’re lucky today to be joined by Chiron the Centaur — the extremely talented mentor who

trained many of the heroes we feature regularly on our show. Chiron, I’ve heard you had a challenging childhood

— what happened and how did you get through it?

CHIRON: It is true, my early years were not easy. As a baby, I was abandoned by my parents, Cronus 19and

Philyra. My mother was disgusted by my half-human, half-horse appearance. Luckily, the god Apollo and his

sister Artemis discovered me, and they found it in their hearts to take me in and raise me as their own. From

Apollo, I learned about music and medicine. From Artemis, I learned about archery 20and hunting. With their

guidance I have been able to master all of these skills and more.

Why was Chiron’s childhood difficult?

HERMES: Fascinating! And thank the stars 21for Apollo and Artemis. What else do you think separates you from

other typical centaurs?

CHIRON: Well, as you can see, my two front legs are not horse legs but human legs — this is a significant

difference. Additionally, I enjoy wearing human clothing from time to time, something my centaur brothers and

sisters never try. I embrace 22civilization, that’s why I’ve been able to develop friendships with gods, goddesses,

and humans alike.

How does Chiron differ from other centaurs?

HERMES: Speaking of which, the hero Peleus speaks very highly of you. How long have you known him and how

did you make such a strong impression on him?

CHIRON: I’ve known Peleus for many years. As a young man, he was left stranded in the wilderness by the

traitor Acastus. Fortunately, I came across Peleus and was able to restore him to his full strength and even give

him some advice as to how to win over the woman of his dreams, Thetis the ocean nymph23! Eventually, Peleus

returned to me and asked me to train his son, Achilles. Now Achilles is one of the greatest archers in the world!

Possibly even better than me...

18 Mount Pelion: Chiron’s homeland 19 Cronus: Cronus overthrew his father to be leader of the Titans, until he was later overthrown by Zeus. 20 Archery: the skill of shooting arrows with a bow 21 Thank the star: a phrase expressing extreme gratitude for the way something is 22 Embrace (verb) : to support or accept something enthusiastically 23 Nymph: a mythological spirit of nature

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HERMES: Oh, wow! I didn’t know you trained Achilles! Do you have any other stories about students of yours

whom our viewers may have heard of?

CHIRON: Well, Ajax, who fought alongside Achilles in the Trojan War, was also brought to me as a young boy for

training. And of course, Apollo, my adoptive father, brought his son Asclepius to me, as well. Asclepius was

particularly adept 24at the healing arts25, and I’m honored to have had a hand in sculpting the great god of

medicine. Actually, one of my favorite stories isn’t about my years as a teacher but rather as a healer. You see,

tragically, Phoenix — another one of Achilles’ mentors — was blinded during a fight with his father, Amyntor.

Using my knowledge of herbal medicine, I was able to restore Phoenix’s sight. This is certainly one of my

proudest accomplishments.

How did Chiron help young heroes?

HERMES: Just incredible. We really are blessed to have such a talented centaur in our midst26. Well, Chiron, I

know your time is short, just one last question though. Seeing as you are an oracle 27— on top of all your other

abilities — do you have any predictions about what, if anything, may ultimately cause your death?

CHIRON: I don’t pretend to know anything for certain, and I try to shy away from looking into my own future.

However, my gifted daughter Melanippe has foretold my death. Though she was disturbed by the vision and is

not willing to speak openly about it, she did mention it involved Heracles and an arrow... My only wish is that my

death is not in vain28, that someone or something else benefits from my passing.

HERMES: Oh my! For the sake of the world, I certainly hope Melanippe is wrong! Well, you heard it all here first

folks! Tune in after the break for Cooking with Hestia29.

How did Chiron help young heroes?

24 Adept (adjective) : very skilled at something 25 Healing arts: the arts and sciences involved in healing or treating mental or physical illness 26 In our midst: a phrase meaning “among us” 27Oracle: a person with great wisdom who makes predictions about the future, usually aided by the gods 28 In vain: to be useless because it did not achieve something 29 Hestia: the goddess of domestic activities