Literary Terms
Theme- noun. subject of discussion or composition; the subject of a discourse, discussion, piece of writing, or artistic composition. The theme of the novel, Speak, is communication because Melinda has a secret she can't tell anyone since she's afraid of what they might say or think.(book)
Tone- noun. way of speaking; the way somebody says something as an indicator of what that person is feeling or thinking. Throughout the book, Melinda sort of sounds indifferent to anything that happens around her. (book)
Exposition- noun. revelation of story's background; the part of a literary or dramatic work in which the basic facts of setting and character are made known. When Melinda is doing her homework is an example.
Conflict- noun. plot tension; opposition between or among characters or forces in a literary work that shapes or motivates the action of the plot. “David: ‘You opened a debate. You can’t close it just because it isn’t going your way.’ Mr. Neck: ‘Watch me. Take your seat Mr. Petrakis.’”(pg. 56)
Point of view- noun. angle of narrator; the perspective on events of the narrator or a character in a story. An example of this is how Melinda sees things differently than everyone else does.(book)
Vocabulary Terms
Harried- adj. stressed; looking or feeling tired and annoyed. "My normally harried, rushed mother always turns into a strung-out retail junkie just before Turkey Day."(pg. 57)
Vermilion- noun. bright red color; a bright red color, sometimes tinged with orange. "An unseen hand turned off the radio as he crossed the threshold, and bags of potato chips vanished, leaving the faint scent of salt to mix with vermilion oil paint and wet clay."(pg. 78)
Obligation- noun. duty; something that must be done because of legal or moral duty. "It's like a holy obligation, part of what makes her a wife and mother."(pg. 58)
Oriented- adj. supporting particular view; openly supporting or favoring a particular point of view or set of beliefs often used in combination. "So I said I have a friend who is really artistic and community-oriented and could she help with the posters."(pg. 80)
Imperial- adj. grand; very grand or majestic. "The Marthas have not issued an imperial invitation for her to sit with them."(pg. 69)
Demented- adj. entirely irrational; completely unreasonable or lacking any sense of the consequences or actions taken (informal). "She has a warped sense of humor as well as demented beautician."(pg. 84)
Discussion Questions
1. Who is a real American? In your answer, discuss Mr. Neck’s views of a real American and if you think there are some people who are not really Americans, and how that seems to you.
In my opinion, a real American is someone who has been here since the beginning. Native Americans are real Americans, and everyone else who came here are immigrants. Even though their families have been in this county for years, they are still descendants from immigrants who came to American to find a better life. The only real Americans are those that were on this land since the beginning, which are the Native Americans. A quote that helps prove my point is, "The Constitution does not recognize different classes of citizenship based on time spent living in the country." In the quote, David Petrakis was telling Mr. Neck what he thought about the discussion they were having, and Mr. Neck did not want to listen to what he had to say.
2. Why is it that sometimes people like us more when they can get something out of us? In your answer discuss why you think The Marthas may or may not be good friends to Heather.
I think its because they feel like they will benefit from being with them. Its actually simple, if a person suddenly becomes known for something they did, people would want to hang out with them because they feel they can get attention too, or maybe material possessions. “They yelled at her for gluing hearts crooked.” The Marthas aren't good friends to Heather because they wanted things done their way, and if something gets done wrong, then they won't hold back what they think. Only after Heather had a modeling job, the Marthas started to treat her like one of their own.
3. What should we value in other people? In your answer discuss what qualities are important in a person and what you usually first notice about someone.
We should value someones personality, loyalty, friendship, and honesty. We shouldn't pick who we want to hang out with and be friends with based on looks or how they can benefit you. The qualities a person has is something actually being worth than some silly old looks. Looks last a short time but the qualities they posses can last their whole life. “Maybe they’ll ask you to join too, once they see how talented you are!” That's how people should look at other people, for what talents or qualities they have instead of uncontrollable features on them.
Journal Topics
Humiliations And Embarrassing Moments
Everyone has had embarrassing moments, whether they like it or not. Sometimes they're really embarrassing than others. Other times they are being brought upon by others who want to put that person down over and over. The Marthas criticized the posters for the can drive and said they were done by a child and were embarrassing. The only way to not let it get to you is remember that whatever happened will pass, everyone will forget eventually, and just go on with your life.
Being Cool: When Is Being Cool Really Un-cool?
Nobody really knows what being "cool" is. Are we doomed to think that the only cool beings are the "popular" kids? When the "popular" kids actually start acting like they're the most important beings in the world is when being "cool" turns un-cool. Labeling people if they're cool or not is childlike and its just a waste of time. It doesn't matter! If you do something or want to do something, but cant because people see it as uncool, you should go for it because who are they to judge? Do what you want to and don't be afraid.
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