Reading and Analysis:  RA2. I can identify theme and use literary terms and figurative language when describing and analyzing texts and know their purpose in the literature such as (but not limited to) metaphor, simile, imagery, repetition, symbol, allusion (historical and literary), personification, irony (situational, verbal, and dramatic), etc.  Fiction a. I can analyze the allegory, motifs, archetypes, and universal themes of a given text as it relates to humanity Writing:  W3. I can make my purpose clear by creating a thesis statement. Today’s Target

Motif, Diction, Syntax, Symbol, Allegory

Q. How would you describe The House on Mango Street? A. It’s like a collection of little stories. You could read one or you could read the whole thing. You don’t have to read the whole thing, but if you do it’s like a necklace of stories… Q. Did its publication play a role in the acceptance of Latino culture in the United States? A. I think it did. Many people have said it was how they came to know about Latino life. Some people don’t have any contact with Latino life except maybe this book. The most intimate relationship they have with the Latino community is reading this book. Published in 1984, the book was not an overnight success /sandra_cisneros_house_on_mango_street_25th_anniversary.html

Vignette - short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or gives an insightful impression about a character, idea, setting, or object. Motif - a recurring element seen in a text with a larger meaning; is any recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Through its repetition, a motif can help produce other literary aspects such as theme or mood.

A motif is concrete and a theme is abstract. A motif is a recurrent image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme while a theme is a central idea or message. In other words, a motif— a detail repeated in a pattern of meaning—can produce a theme. motif 1 + motif 2 + motif 3 = theme MotifTheme Concrete instancesAbstract idea Repeated detail/symbolMessage, statement, idea

Listen to/Read along with the vignette “The House on Mango Street” underline instances of motif Read and reread. Read again.

From your responses, what appears to be a motif in this vignette? What does this motif represent or symbolize? MotifRepresents/Symbolizes

Now, we develop a thesis statement based on our discovery of a motif and its representation/symbolism in the vignette. In the vignette “The House on Mango Street,” Cisneros uses the motif of house and its elements as a symbol of ______________________ _______________________________.

In the vignette “The House on Mango Street,” Cisneros uses the motif of house and its elements as a symbol of journey toward success and pride. Ms. Ragghianti’s Example

Reading and Analysis: R4. I can analyze the author’s style ( diction, tone, syntax, and voice) and describe its effects on purpose and theme. Vocabulary V3. I can analyze the meaning of a word using its denotation and connotation. Writing: W3. I can make my purpose clear by creating a thesis statement. Today’s Target diction

The choice and use of words and phrases Diction is an author’s choice of words and phrases modified by their own unique style; also called the author’s voice. We vary diction depending on different contexts and settings Sophisticated Formal Informal Colloquial Slang Colloquial- used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary; often regional

Diction Defines Style and Character: Like a good closet of clothes, a skillful author selects the appropriate “verbal wardrobe”: to fit the occasion or situation to reach the audience to achieve the purpose  Wedding – dress clothes and nice shoes (formal)  Friend’s house – jeans and a shirt (informal)  Beach – bathing suit and flip-flops (colloquial) 13

For instance, the used car salesman speaks in repeated clichés and slang such as, “Gotta do it today; it’s a real bargain”, or “This deal’s a steal”; Some characters speak in more formal language, “You must vacate the premises immediately”. Other characters speak in colloquial language showing their lack of “proper” education. “Shucks, Pa, ain’t no use fightin’ ‘em…”. Many authors use various sorts of diction to distinguish their characters one from the other. 14

Type of Diction AudiencePurposeExampleSophisticated Highly educated or refined To impress The meal was exquisite. Formal Strangers, notables; professional To show good manners My stomach is full. Informal Friends and Colleagues To share feelings I am stuffed with food. Colloquial Family and close friends To share feelings without pretense That there finger lickin’ grub stuffed my gut. Slang Close friends To be cool and “in” I’m so done. I’m gonna explode. 15

Denotation and Connotation are Cultural Nuances of Diction: Denotation = Dictionary definition Connotation = loaded words packed with extra meaning from cultural experience. 16

WordDenotation (dictionary definition) Connotation (cultural definition) Birthday The date of one’s birth, or the annual celebration of the event of one’s birth Party, presents, friends, cake, candles, ice-cream, relatives Wedding The ceremony where vows of marriage are exchanged between two people Friends, presents, reception, bachelor party, showers, tuxedo, wedding dress, photos, cake, relatives War Armed combat between adversaries on a large scale Guns, bullets, killing, blood, tears, fear, hatred, loneliness, tanks, mortars, violence, bombs, devastation 17

4:08-FLS 4:52 SLS

Paragraph 1 & 2 broom lazy never obeys thick straight slippery - slides out of your hand hair like fur Paragraph 3 little rosettes little candy circles curly pretty pin curls sweet holding you feel safe warm smell of bread makes room for you bed still warm with her skin sleep near rain outside falling snoring Positive connotation? Negative connotation? Formal? Informal? Colloquial? Slang?

Now, we develop a thesis statement based on our discuss of diction and its importance in characterization. In the vignette “Hairs,” Cisneros’ use of diction characterizes the speaker as _________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ ________________________________________.

In the vignette “Hairs,” Cisneros’ use of diction characterizes the speaker as a young girl who identifies with her father and siblings, yet adores her mother. Ms. Ragghianti’s Example