1. The Moose and the Sparrow by Hugh Garner
A study guide

2. Definition of Irony
Irony – Contrast between what appears to be and what really is.
Verbal irony – the intended meaning is the opposite of what one says
Dramatic irony – the audience/ reader knows more than the characters in the story
Situational irony – the reversal of what we expect occurs
Which type of irony is evident in this story? Page reference and explanation.

3. Definition of foreshadowing
Foreshadowing: The use of hints, clues, or indications about the future action of a story.
Find two places where the author foreshadows Cecil’s actions at the end of the story. Provide page references.

4. Point of View 1st person limited –
Mr. Anderson is the narrator of the story, yet he is not the main character.
How does this point of view shape the reader’s understanding of the events in the story?
Would the reader respond differently if it was told through Cecil’s perspective?

5. Characterization Characterization:
the different methods the author uses to reveal the characters to the reader:
Actions/ behaviors
Speech
Inner thoughts
Response/ reactions from others
Physical Description
Can you provide examples of each of these? Which method do you think is most effective in this piece?

6. Definition of Hyperbole
Hyperbole – exaggeration for effect.
Ex: I was so hungry I could eat a horse.
Compare these two statements: Should the reader take both comments literally or is it hyperbole>
p. 231: Cecil says, “It’s no longer a case of practical jokes; he wants to kill me.”
p. 232: Mr. Anderson explains, “When we found out, big Chief went after moose with a cant hook, but the rest of us held him back. He would have killed Moose.”

7. Compare and contrast
Cecil and Moose have more in common than either of them realize.
How would you prove this?

8. Theme Analysis
Theme definition: The main and underlying idea found within the work – it must be a universal idea.
Theme statement: It does not refer to specific events or characters in the story
Pain and misery can drive a person to commit unspeakable crimes.
The inner strength of an individual is a more powerful and influential force than a person’s physical power.
Can you defend these theme statements with evidence from the text?