Characterization the Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare Literature for Units 12 - 14
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The Artios Home Companion Series L i t e r a t u r e a n d Composition Units 12 - 14: Historical Fiction: Characterization The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare Literature for Units 12 - 14 About the Author Enotes.com says that almost every child in America will read an Elizabeth George Speare novel before graduating from high school. She is one of the country’s top children’s authors,and she did not begin writing novels until she was almost 50 years old. Speare was born in Melrose, Massachusetts. She had written quite a bit when she was young. She graduated from Smith College and then got her Master’s degree at Boston College (now Boston University). When she married Alden Speare, they moved to Connecticut where the couple raised two children. Over the years, Speare wrote several articles about friends and family and her beloved New England, but she did not write her first novel, Calico Captive, until 1957. The next year, she wrote The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which one a Newbery Medal in 1959. Speare wrote many more novels and won many more awards, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder award for her contribution to children’s literature. Unit 12 – Assignments Read the Assignment Background information. Read about the mission of the Maccabees here: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Maccabees.html Consider what makes this a central part of Daniel’s story. Ancient: Middle School Unit 12 - 14: Literature and Composition Page 419 Learn about the Zealots and their mission here: http://www.compellingtruth.org/Zealots.html (We will learn even more about the Zealots in our next book. It is an interesting progression.) Read Chapters 1-10 of The Bronze Bow. Activity While Reading: Define the vocabulary words below in your reading journal. Be sure to use complete sentences and check for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. As you read the novel, look for Daniel’s four missions. Make notes about these, as well as key characters, in your journal Vocabulary Words burgeoning chagrined sullen taut phylactery reproach fracas contemptuous fetid Unit 12 – Assignment Background At the end of this story, you should be Start this week’s work by studying Psalm prepared to write a character analysis of 18: 30-34 and the history of the Maccabees. Daniel. A character analysis is essentially a Consider the significance of these “pieces” study in one character’s traits and their as you learn about Daniel and the things significance to the story. The analysis is also that motivate him. a close look at the way the character Think about Daniel’s missions and what develops through the story. Consider this as happens as he sets out to accomplish them. you make notes about your observations Think about his friendships and how they and reactions to events in The Bronze Bow. are influenced by his desire for revenge. Unit 13 – Assignments Read Unit 13 – Assignment Background. For some great ideas on Character Analysis read: http://homeworktips.about.com/od/writingabookreport/a/characteranalysi s.htm. Read Chapters 11-18 of The Bronze Bow. Activity While Reading: Define the vocabulary words below in your reading journal. Be sure to use complete sentences and check for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. In this unit, focus on Daniel’s “redeeming qualities.” What virtues do you see in him? Vocabulary Words piqued floundered pilfered unfathomable scruples eluded recompense swarthy indignant Ancient: Middle School Unit 12 - 14: Literature and Composition Page 420 Unit 13 – Assignment Background Have you ever seen a TV show or movie sympathize and want to see him change by with a really unlikeable character? The the end of the story. character might be mean or sarcastic. These “redeeming qualities,” or virtues, Sometimes, you find you want to know are what encourage us to stay with the story more about the character. Sometimes, you to the very end. We want to be there to get tired of the characters. In a TV series, a witness someone changing, growing up. selfish character might be on the show a This week, look at Daniel that way. WHY long time, or that character might be taken do you like him? Where does his hatred off after a while. The secret to our come from? What redeeming qualities do attachment to these characters is what my you see in him? What virtues does Daniel mother used to call “redeeming qualities.” possess that keep you reading his story? If this character shows some moment of Even if you haven’t seen him change yet, tenderness, we can see that he’s not “all how do you know that he will change? Make bad.” If in a moment of weakness, a notes about those moments in the story. character shows sympathy, we want to like You’ll be able to use them as examples in her again. If a bully reveals a secret from his your character analysis. past that left him hurt and angry, we Unit 14 – Assignments Literature Read Unit 14 – Assignment Details. Read Chapters 19 - 24 of The Bronze Bow. Activity While Reading: Define the vocabulary words below in your reading journal. Be sure to use complete sentences and check for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Vocabulary Words fissure atonement averted foreboding disdain rue Unit 14 – Assignment Details Following the format given to you in the article link in Unit 13, write a Character Analysis of Daniel from The Bronze Bow. Be sure to use examples from the story to strengthen your observations. You are showing his development through the story, revealing your understanding of his background and emotions. You may also use Scripture and additional research to reveal more key information about Daniel. Your essay should be 2 to 5 pages and should follow the MLA format with double- spacing and a Works Cited page as described at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/13/ Modern: Middle School Unit 12 - 14: Literature and Composition Page 421 .