Unit 10, Lesson 6 Portfolio Directions
Analyzing Literary Texts
Directions: In unit 10, lessons 1-5 you learned about analyzing literary texts. For this portfolio, you will write an analysis of The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don’t Count Your Chickens. In many folktales, some characters are rewarded for their positive qualities or values. Other characters are punished or do not have success due to their negative qualities or values. The characters and events teach the reader a lesson about life. Please read the texts carefully before you begin the assignment.
Your portfolio must include 3 paragraphs and the following: (Use this graphic organizer to assist you in starting this assignment)
Paragraph 1: Write an intro paragraph that identifies the main characters in The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don’t Count Your Chickens. Tell what life lesson or important values the younger brothers in the two stories help the readers to understand.
Paragraph 2: Explain how the qualities or values of the younger brothers in the stories are different from those of their older brothers. Use details from the stories to contrast the character traits and points of view of the younger brothers with those of their older brothers.
Paragraph 3: Explain what you think the authors want readers to learn from the younger brothers in the stories. Tell how the plot events and the authors’ use of language and literary devices support your ideas. End your paragraph with a sentence that restates the lesson or values that the characters in the stories convey to the readers.
In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don’t Count Your Chickens, the main characters are the younger brothers who display important values that teach readers life lessons. In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the swallow embodies qualities such as kindness and selflessness as he helps others in need. Similarly, in Don’t Count Your Chickens, the pumpkinseed is portrayed as hardworking and determined, never giving up on his dreams. These stories highlight the importance of compassion, perseverance, and a positive outlook on life.
The qualities of the younger brothers in the stories contrast with those of their older brothers. In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the older brothers are selfish and greedy, leading to their downfall. On the other hand, the younger brothers show generosity and kindness, which ultimately bring them success and happiness. In Don’t Count Your Chickens, the older brothers are lazy and complacent, while the pumpkinseed works tirelessly to achieve his goals. This juxtaposition emphasizes the value of hard work, determination, and humility.
The authors of these stories want readers to learn that positive qualities and values such as kindness, perseverance, and humility lead to success and fulfillment in life. Through the plot events and the authors' use of language and literary devices, readers are shown the consequences of negative traits like selfishness, laziness, and greed. The younger brothers serve as role models, demonstrating the importance of being virtuous and resilient in the face of challenges. Ultimately, the lesson conveyed by the characters in these stories is that good deeds and a positive mindset are key to achieving a happy and fulfilling life.