“And of Clay Are We Created” Isabel Allende

First, a little bit of background . . . Isabel Allende’s story is based on a real-life tragedy: a volcanic eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano and mudslides destroyed whole town in Colombia, South America on November 13, 1985. Molten rock and hot gases melted the volcano’s thick ice cap and sent deadly mudslides down its slopes. More than 23,000 died in the disaster—most of them in a village called Armero.

You Tube Video Volcano Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1-RVeoUzrQ(watch 6:48-12:45)

Nevado del Ruiz

The Eruption

The Aftermath

The Story of Omayra Sanchez Omayra Sanchez was trapped up to her neck in water, concrete, and other debris for three days before she succumbed to gangrene and hypothermia. During three nights of agony, Omayra seemed strong but was suffering. She sang and had normal conversations with the people who were trying to help her. The little girl was thirsty and scared. On the third night, Omayra began hallucinating, saying that she did not want to be late for school. At some point she asked the people to leave her so they could rest. Television coverage of the disaster introduced her to the world when she was still alive. The photo was taken hours before her death. Pick up and read “Picture Power: Tragedy of Omayra Sanchez”

A Journal! Should reporters remain detached and objective when reporting a tragedy? OR should they express their personal feelings and become involved with helping victims? What is the proper role of the news media? What are some different factors that might influence how you would respond during a natural disaster? List some internal and external factors that might influence how you respond in a crisis situation.

Let’s Read! Read “And of Clay Are We Created” on page 355 of Approaching Literature. As you read, make a list of similarities and differences between the short story and the video and article under your journal.

Stop here and complete all previous slides if you were absent on Day 1 (Wednesday)

After you finish the story . . . Select one word that you think best describes what the reading is all about. Next, write down one quote from the piece that supports your selection. Finally, write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) explaining your word, quote, and why this is really the essence of the piece.

Stop here and complete Slide 11 if you were absent on Day 2 (Thursday)

Partner Discussion Today we will be doing a partner discussion. For each round you will have a new partner, so choose wisely 

Find a Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: What ironic situations did you notice in the story? How do you think these ironies furthered the main message of the story? If you were focused on irony when you chose your word/quote, would it have changed? Why or why not? Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

Find a New Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: What do you think the title of this story means? In your opinion, is it an appropriate title? Do you think your words/quotes relate to the title? Explain. Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

Find a New Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: One critic wrote that Allende is capable of motivating “between personal and the political, between reality and fantasy.” Do these observations apply to this story? Do you think your words/quotes support this assertion? Why or why not? Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

Find a New Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: One theme that is often associated with the short story is that of memory and reminiscence. Do you think this is a valid theme? Do your words/quotes support this theme in any way? Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

Find a New Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: Another theme that is often associated with the short story is the idea that the forces of nature are far more powerful than human nature. Do you think this is a valid theme? Do your words/quotes support this theme in any way? Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

Find a New Partner! Discuss with your partner your word choice and quote selection and why you think this is the essence of the short story. After you have each shared, answer the following question: Often, people see this story as an examination of humans altruism or the practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others because the compassion expressed for a trapped stranger epitomizes humanity's greatest qualities. Do you think this is true? Do your words/quotes support this theme in any way? Write a summary of your discussion on your paper.

If you were absent on Day 3 (Friday) complete 3 of the questions (the second bullet) on slides 14-19 and turn it in when you return.