“First Confession”

Story Map Review Setting Characters Conflicts Outcome Themes

Metaphor Definition- comparison of two unlike things that actually have something in common, without using “like” or “as” Examples: “He was a lion in the fight” “Love is a rose.” "The streets were a furnace, the sun an executioner.“ "Humor is the shock absorber of life; it helps us take the blows.“ You come up with one!

Simile Definition—comparison of two things, using “like” or “as” “It’s been a hard day, and I’ve been working like a dog.” “His skin was as cold as ice.” “He eats like a pig.” You come up with one! Significance—similes add emphasis to words and can make descriptions more vivid

…LIKE A…

Diction Diction: Element of style an author’s word choice; affects tone; determined based on purpose and audience Example: "Dearest reader, I humbly entreat you to eschew the latest celebrity tittle-tattle and instead devote your attention to diction and tone." Sophisticated/elevated word choice— very formal versus "Listen up! Drop the gossip magazine and get with the diction/tone program!" Informal/colloquial word choice— used with peers/friends/people of equal or lower “status”

Tone Definition: implied attitude of the author/speaker toward the subject/audience; determined by diction What are some adjectives you can think of to describe tone? How does tone influence the meaning of a text?

Tone Words angry sad sentimental sharp cold fanciful upset urgent complimentary silly joking giddy bored poignant sympathetic proud seductive happy dramatic didactic understanding pitiful mocking horrified somber restrained provocative humorous dreamy condescending sweet irreverent weary afraid apologetic benevolent vexed shocked childish objective detached zealous candid sarcastic contemptuous nostalgic confused hollow mournful ecstatic

Connotation and Denotation Denotation: the literal, “dictionary definition” meaning of a word Connotation: the commonly understood, subjective cultural association of meaning with a word, in addition to the dictionary definition For example, we use many different terms for young people. While “little one” and “brat” both literally refer to a young person, “little one” usually has a positive connotation (association), whereas “brat” typically has a negative connotation. You wouldn’t want to compliment a young mother by calling her child a “cute little brat.” Other examples: “Stink” versus “aroma” versus “smell” “Reckless” plan versus “daring” plan “Easygoing” friend versus “lazy” friend Answer with “arrogance” versus answer with “confidence”

Positive, Negative, and Neutral Connotations POSITIVE= “LITTLE ONE” NEUTRAL=CHILD NEGATIVE=BRAT

Positive, Negative, and Neutral Connotations POSITIVE= “STROLLING” NEUTRAL=“WALKING” NEGATIVE=“TRUDGING”

“First Confession” Analytical Questions

Point of View Describe the narrator of the story. Support your description with specific details. Imagine if the story were told through a different point of view—maybe the priest, the sister, or an objective narrator. What would be lost? What kind of relationship does Jackie have with his family? How does Jackie’s point of view as a child (when telling the story) seem to differ from the author’s perspective as an adult? Discuss the following plot details. Jackie’s attitude about his grandmother/ her terrible vices Mrs. Ryan’s tale of the burned handprints Jackie’s explanation for the long silence after confessing his plan to kill his grandmother Jackie’s plan for disposing of the body

Character/ Characterization In what ways is Jackie not entirely naïve, but sometimes shrewd and perceptive? What character traits does the priest display? How does he differ from Mrs. Ryan?

Theme Do you believe a possible message of the story is that, as Nora claims at the end, there is no point in trying to live a virtuous life? Why or why not?

Suspense How does O’Connor create suspense in the story?

Allusion/Simile As Nora and Jackie walk to the chapel, Jackie describes the “sunlit hillsides beyond the valley of the river, which I saw in the gaps between the houses like Adam’s last glimpse of Paradise.” What is the allusion, and why is it appropriate?

Tone What parts did you find to be particularly humorous?