Introduction
Authors have an uncanny way of presenting information to the reader that is often hidden behind rich language and literary devices. In discovering the "mysteries" of the literature, readers gain insigts into human experiences and develop a broader understanding of one's self. James Hurst, author of "The Scarlet Ibis," is one who provides "mystery and meaning" through the short story. You will use the web to find information that will help you complete this assignment. What mysteries will you uncover and how will those mysteries find meaning in your life?
Task
You're ready to begin! Have fun on your search for the answers to this mystery:
- define and identify a symbol;
- create and explain an original symbol;
- define a scarlet ibis;
- explain the significance of environment for the scarlet ibis
Click on the following to retrieve your worksheet. Print!
www.aacps.org/aacp/boe/instr/curr/comed/HSWebQuest/ScarletIbis/worksheet.html
Don't forget to keep all of the answers to your quest for meaning on your worksheet.
Process
Directions: Make sure you read all of the directions before you begin the journey. You will have a set of THREE activities to complete. Follow the assigned order of the activities (so please don't jump around as you complete the assignment).
Activity #1
What is a symbol? Instead of going to the textbook for the answer, link to the following sites to find the definition of a symbol:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-F599mU6L4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJUq4kdGAE
Here's some other information on symbolism and imagery in literature. Check it out!
Now that you understand what a symbol is, you are ready to move on to activity #2. Sit back and enjoy as you glance at a variety of symbols and their meanings.
Activity #2
Lots of students dislike or fear literature, because they think they "don't get" the idea of symbolism. This next site contains examples explaining some traditional symbols in our culture. Don't forget to check out the link at the bottom of this site that says, "Go to symbols." You might be surprised at what you find!
This next site give you sampling of categories that provide a wide range of symbols. Click on at least five letters of the alphabet and record your five findings on your worksheet.
http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/
The next site give the meanings of flowers and their symbolism from poetry, history and past writings. Interested? Click here to learn more.
http://www.victorianbazaar.com/meanings.html
Acitivity #3
You're going to read a story about a scarlet ibis, and you have probably guessed that it will involve some symbolism. Wouldn't you agree that it would help to understand the story if you knew what a scarlet ibis was? The following site has a picture of the scarlet ibis.
www.photohome.com/photos/animal-pictures/birds/scarlet-ibis-1.html
What's so special about the scarlet ibis? Click on this site and be ready to answer some questions.
http://www.birds.com/species/p-t/scarlet-ibis/
Record your answers to the following questions on your worksheet:
1. What is a scarlet ibis? Describe in detail.
2. Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
3. How is the bird's survival being compromised?
Before you begin reading the short story, let's see if you really understand symbolism!
Evaluation
Let's see if you can unlock the "mystery" and find the "meaning" in the following poem:
Read the poem carefully.
Underline or highlight specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
Identify the symbol.
Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
Submit your analysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's - float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this
tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and side to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold
you.
Answer the following questions:
1. The father is giving his daughter advice about floating. This first swim lesson dealing with floating also has a symbolic meaning. Not only is the father giving his daughter advice about flating, but he is also giving his daughter advice about ______________________.
2. Provide a brief explanation for your choice.
| Excellent! |
You discovered the mystery of the symbol! Explanation is clear and concise and it supports the meaning of the symbol. |
| Very Good! | You are on track! Explanation is quite good for this symbol. could you have examined a few more clues--literary devices, word choices? |
| Oops! | You identified a symbol, but your explanation doesn't quite include all the relevant details in the poem. |
Conclusion
Through this activity, you have discovered the richness of language and have identified literary devices, particularly the symbol, that aid in developing understanding the story. You also gained significant information about the scarlet ibis and its environment. Understanding symbolism and the background of the bird will enable you to develop your own analysis of the story. Congratulations! You are now ready to dive into the story, "The Scarlet Ibis."
Credits
I would like to thank Barbara Selwocki and Michelle Dunn for their webquest Mystery and Meaning.
Teacher Page
Enrichment
You probably already know that this story is rich in imagery and symbols. James Hurst also uses characters to enhance the meaning of the story. One of his characters has many obstacles to overcome. The following sites have real-life stories of people who have been successful in overcoming difficulties.