1. Warm-up In 2-3 sentences answer the following question: When you think of summer, what do you think of? What could summer possibly symbolize or represent in a story? What about fall or autumn?

2. Literary Terms These terms will be crucial to our literature discussions. You will be expected to be able to apply these terms on tests as well. This plot diagram will also be referenced regularly. Exposition Rising Action Denouement Falling Action Climax

3. “The Flowers” by Alice Walker You will be divided into 8 groups. Each group will be responsible for examining 1 paragraph of the story. Each group must complete the following: - 2-3 sentence summary of the paragraph. - 1 sentence explaining information learned about Myop. - Identify one possible symbol from the paragraph. You have 10 minutes. When your group has finished, write your information on the board. Extra information that may help: Sharecroppers = Farmers Noose = Rope used to hang someone

4. Symbols (meanings are according to The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols) Woods/Forest: fear of unconscious self Harvest: one’s growth as he/she passes into maturity Summer: maturity and knowledge or the hope of what once was Roses: associated with blood, in Christian beliefs viewed as the drops of Christ’s blood, in Muslim beliefs associated with contemplation. Pink roses associated with rebirth. Myop: in optometry, Myopia or being Myopic means having nearsighted vision. Based on these symbols, what is the overall theme of “The Flowers”? What makes the last sentence of the story, so significant to the theme?

5. Juxtaposition The arrangement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side-by-side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, rhetorical effect, suspense, or character development. Where is this technique used in “The Flowers”? How does it emphasize the theme?

6. Homework Read “The Lost Boys” by Sara Corbett, beginning with the background information on page 591 of your textbook. Use the access information provided to you on the first day of school. ***Make sure you are reading the textbook for Grade 9!