1. Writing a Synthesis- Response Mr. Wilson – English 306

3. What is a Synthesis-Response?  Synthesis is “putting your ideas together.”  Now that we have finished watching Dances with Wolves and are still in the process of reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, we can compare the two.  So what are some of the main things you saw or read that are similar or opposite in both stories?

4. Main Themes or Ideas?  What are some of the main themes we keep discussing from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? Racism Indian Stereotypes Pain Overcoming barriers/obstacles/challenges Friendship Dreams or ambitions

5. Main Themes or Ideas?  What are some of the themes from Dances with Wolves? Friendship Communication Racism Love Fear Acceptance Fighting against injustice

6. What about Author Techniques?  Metaphors? Symbols? What appears in the movie and the book as a metaphor or a symbol?  Humour? Was there any humour in the movie? How is humour used in the book?  Characterization? Do specific characters have specific roles to play? What are they and why are they significant?

7. Your Response  Your response should be at least 5 to 6 paragraphs long.  Each paragraph should be at least 4 to 5 full sentences, with references to the movie and the book.  You can use the first person, but not too much.  It is fairly unstructured, but your ideas should be organized into each paragraph.

8. Main Question Indian culture Considering Dances with Wolves and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian are from very different Points-of-View: How does this effect how Indian culture is portrayed in each story?

9. Now start organizing your thoughts! (And start writing…)