1. Interactive Reader response questions
“The Skull and the Arrow” by Louis L’amour pgs of Interactive Reader
Interactive Reader response questions

2. Reader Response Questions
Label your paper “The Skull and Arrow Questions.”
While you read, answer the following questions from the Interactive Reader; using complete sentences.
DO NOT write in the Interactive Reader.
If absent, you will need to borrow an Interactive Reader from me to accurately follow the response questions.
Incomplete sentences will only receive ½ credit.

3. Reader Response Questions
Writers sometimes introduce symbols in a story’s title. What are the two symbols in this title? What does each object usually symbolize?
Why is the man giving up? Write down the causes of the man’s decision to quit. (Lines 15-19)
The narrator states that the “man always returns to the cave.” Briefly explain what you think this statement means. (Line 24)
What is the difference between the main character’s reason for fighting and his friends’ reasons for fighting? (Line 65)
The word “skull” has been mentioned three times. This repetition suggests it may be functioning as a symbol. What do you think a skull might symbolize? Explain. (Line 81).
Pause at line 118. Predict what you think the man will do.
What causes the man’s enemies to abandon the fight? (Lines )
The man has taken the arrowhead from the cave and keeps it with him. What do you think the arrowhead symbolizes to the man? Explain.

4. “The Skull and the Arrow” Allegory Chart
On the back of your reader response questions, draw the chart on the following slide.
The left-hand column summarizes the literal story events.
In the right-hand column, write the allegorical meaning of those events.
Remember: An allegory is a story that has two meanings. A literal meaning and a symbolic meaning; sometimes written to teach lessons.
The first one has been done for you.

5. “The Skull and the Arrow” Allegory Chart
Literal Story Event
Allegorical Meaning
The man enters the cave.
The man returns to his origins.
The man makes a fire.
The man finds evidence of an ancient fight between a cave man and a bear.
The man returns to face his enemies.
The man displays the arrowhead.