Module 10: Understanding Elements of Fiction

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Think about the traditions that your family observes. What do you think about these
traditions?

Usually, my family would hold gatherings whenever a birthday of a family

member would come. It became a tradition to prepare food for this kind of celebration,
but when someone turns seven, the preparation becomes a little extravagant. I am also
confused about this tradition in my family and until now, I still don’t know the reason
behind this event. Maybe my parents and other relatives treasures the day of their
children turning seven because in this age, kids are already seen slowly growing up. I
think that this tradition is really precious knowing that my parents and relatives would do
everything to make this day so special for their beloved children. It is very touching and
unforgettable moment for me.

Analyze Cause and Effect

When you analyze cause and effect, you look for the relationship between a
cause or causes and all the possible effects. As you read “Ta-Na-E-Ka,” use a Cause-
and-Effect Chart like the one below. List the events (causes) in the story and the results
of these events (effects) in your chart. A sample has been done for you.

Cause Effect

worries over turning eleven years Mary’s nightmares

old

devotion of Mary’s grandfather to continueance of Ta-Na-

their tradition E-Ka on their family

wanting to be an accountant Roger’s dislike to

participate in Ta-Na-E-Ka

opposing to the concept and belief Mary’s continuous

of Ta-Na-E-Ka tradition protest about attending Ta-Na-
E-Ka
 Mary’s grandpa swallowing a Mary felt sick and Roger
grasshopper turned green

disliking the idea to eat Mary lied and borrowed

grasshopper during the Ta-Na-E- money from her teacher
Ka

rules of having separate territories Mary and Roger’s going

opposite ways into the woods

staying in a restaurant Mary’s comfortable days

during Ta-Na-E-Ka

incredible social skills Mary found a new friend

finding out what Mary did during Mary’s grandfather

Ta-Na-E-Ka being a little disappointed

Mary’s witty defense and Grandfather’s

reasoning amusement

significant sermon of their Mary and Roger’s

grandfather realizations

USE READING SKILLS.

1. What is the cause of Mary’s awful nightmares? Write your answer in your
Cause-and Effect Chart?

The cause of Mary’s awful nightmares is her worries about turning eleven. Mary’s
grandfather is devoted to their tradition, so she has no choice but to undergo Ta-Na-
E-Ka once she reaches that age. She is scared and does not want to experience
that practice, which is why she’s having nightmares about it.

2. How does Mrs. Richardson suggest looking at Ta-Na-E-Ka?

She does not want Mary to look down on this tradition because she believes that
it becomes a way for many girls to compete on equal terms with boys. Mrs.
Richardson respects Ta-Na-E-Ka and considers that every group has its tradition
that needs to be practiced.

3. Why does Mary think that the women’s liberation movement came from the
Kaw?

Mary thinks that the Kaw started women’s liberation because she believes that
no other tribes treat women equally more than them. She also learned how Kaw
women were treated as warriors and fought together with men, which amazes her.

4. What conflict is introduced in the story?

The conflict in the story lies in the characters. Mary and Roger have different
cultural insights before taking the Ta-Na-E-Ka test, and they differ from what their
grandfather perceives. It becomes a conflict because it caused a clash of opinions
between the characters towards the system of this tradition.

5. What caused Mary to feel sick and Roger to turn green?

Mary and Roger’s grandfather trained them how to eat a grasshopper, which has
them feeling disgusted. They saw how their grandfather twitched the legs and wings
of the poor grasshopper, then he also swallowed it, causing them to feel sick.

6. What effect did Mary hope would happen if she stayed at the marina?

Mary hoped that she would be sleeping in a boat if she would stay in the marina.
She thinks that it is better to sleep there rather than in the pile of leaves. She also
assumes that there would be something she could do there with her five-dollar bill.

7. What did Mary take from the restaurant after it was closed for the night?

Mary stayed at the restaurant after it was closed for the night, and when she felt
hungry, she took a glass of milk and a piece of a pie. She plans to keep a list of all
she had taken and leave money for payment.

8. What did Mary teach Ernie during her Ta-Na-E-Ka?

During Mary’s stay at the Riverside, she became friends with Ernie, and she
taught him about the legend of the Kaws. She was surprised to find out that she
knows her people very well.

9. How is Mary’s Ta-Na-E-Ka’s experience different from Roger’s?

Roger’s Ta-Na-E-Ka is more challenging than what Mary had. He had to go

through the usual experience of the tradition in the woods while Mary had a great
time staying at the restaurant throughout the period. Roger had a hard time surviving
and had lost weight, opposite to the condition of Mary after the Ta-Na-E-Ka.
 10.Why do you think people like the Kaws continue to practice their traditions? If
you were Mary, would you handle Ta-Na-E-Ka in your own way?

I think people like Kaws continue to practice their tradition because it is

something that they are already used to do. Aside from this reason, I also believe
that every group, tribe, or race respects their culture and tradition, and they see the
worth in continuing it. If I were Mary, I would handle the Ta-Na-E-Ka in my way. I
would maybe do the same thing as Mary did or secretly hide some essential tools
that I might need during the period.

Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the literal meaning of Ta-Na-E-Ka?

A. mountains and rivers

B. Grandfather’s hardship

C. flowering of adulthood

2. What does Roger want to be someday?

A. a doctor

B. a lawyer

C. an accountant

3. At what age does a Kaw boy or girl undergo Ta-Na-E-Ka?

A. eleven

B. twelve

C. thirteen

4. How long should a Kaw boy or girl who undergoes Ta-Na-E-Ka stay in the
wilderness?

A. six days

B. five days

C. seven days

5. What was the main test of Ta-Na-E-Ka?

A. respect

B. honesty
 C. survival

Module 11: Understanding the Elements of Fiction

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Who from the past or present do you most admire and why?

Whenever someone asks me this question, the first person that comes to my
mind is my mother. She is the person I wanted to be when I get old. My mother is very
good at cooking, working, and parenting, and although she already had faced many
challenges in her life, she remains tough for us. There is no perfect parent in this world,
and I know my mother also has shortcomings. But for me, she is still the best. I love
how she handles everything, and I feel so safe and loved whenever she’s around. My
admiration for her grows as days passed by, which is my inspiration to be a good
daughter.

Look for the ways the author describes Roberto Clemente throughout the
memoir. Then add details in the chart below.

Characterization
Characterization Type Type Details from the
Text
What Clemente says, “Bring what you can,” he
does, and thinks told them. “Bring
medicine...bring
clothes...bring food...bring
shoes...bring yourself and
help us load. We need so
much. Whatever you
bring, we will use.”
Roberto told him.
“Someone has to do it.”
What others say about “When I think of Roberto
Clemente now, I think of the kind of
man he was. There was
nothing phony about him.
He had his own ideas
about how life should be
lived, and if you didn’t see
it that way, then he let you
 know in so many ways,
without words, that it was
best you each go your
separate ways.”
How Clemente looks and “You know, Clemente felt
acts strongly about the fact that
he was a Puerto Rican
and that he was a black
man.”
How Clemente looks and “…the grace of his
acts “… movements and the
artistry of his reflexes…”

What do you think of the character, based on the chart?

Based on the chart, I think Clemente is a good and kindhearted man. People who
know him are clearly amazed of how great man he is. I also think that Clemente is really
a good player of baseball base on how people describe him, and he always has the will
to help other people. According to the chart, Clemente is also proud to a Puerto Rican
and a black man.

AFTER READING

1. Make Predictions Can you guess what might happen on Roberto’s flight to
Nicaragua?
In my guess, I think Roberto’s flight to Nicaragua had failed and resulted in
a crash right into the ocean. The plane that Roberto rented has already some
problems before the flight, and it might be one of the reasons they have trouble in
their trip.

2. What happened out in the ocean?

When the news about the missing plane of Roberto broke out, many
rescuers searched for them in the ocean. But, the ocean waves boiled up
aggressively, which made the search virtually impossible. The pilot’s dead body
was also found in the swift-current to the north.

3. What does the narrator say is important to understand about Roberto’s

teacher?
The narrator states that it is essential to know that Roberto’s teacher is
what teachers should be. That teacher is the one who helped Roberto shape his
personality. The narrator watched this teacher during her history class, and she
concluded that she is someone that should be teaching, and her students are the
kinds that teachers must produce.
 4. What advice did Roberto’s teacher give him about playing baseball?
Roberto’s teacher gives him the advice to accept the offer of playing
baseball because it is a great opportunity for him, especially that they are poor
people in the town. But, this teacher also said that if Roberto prefers not to do it,
then the decision is already up to him.

5. What did Olmo tell his pitchers to do when Roberto was up at bat?
Olmo figured out that Roberto would hit the ball no matter what, so he
decided to tell his pitchers to throw the ball down the middle. He even thinks that
Robert is the best bad-ball hitter he had ever seen. Olmo asked his pitchers to
throw the ball at Robert that way because that’s the only way they can have a
chance for him not to hit it and give have a strike on him.

6. Many people enjoy reading about famous sports figures. Why do you think
this is so?
I think a lot of people enjoy reading about famous sports figures because
they radiate cool vibes. I also love to read about them, and one of my reasons is
the same as that. But, aside from them being cool, I also think they are
admirable, and their passion for what they are doing gives inspiration to others.

ANALYZE LITERATURE: Setting. The author says that many Puerto Ricans came
out to the beach when Roberto Clemente was declared missing. Write a few
sentences describing what you think that scene looked like. You can use the
description from the story and add details from your imagination.
Many people love Roberto Clemente, so I am not surprised if these people were
worried and feel bad for him. When he was declared missing, the memoir states that
many people come out to the beach to search for him. I imagined that at that time,
people might feeling mixed emotions because of the situation. It is also raining during
that time, so thousands of people's faces were washed by the rain, and it blended their
tears. Many patrol searchers might be very busy searching for the missing plane on the
sea and the sky.

USE READING SKILLS: Understand Literary Elements Characterization

1. What was Roberto Clemente’s last action before he died?
Roberto Clemente's last action before he died is an act of help to the people of
Nicaragua who experienced a strong earthquake. He wanted to deliver the goods
they collected from other people who donated, and even that time was new year's
eve, he still did not bother to go. This moment is when the unfortunate event
happened, which cost his life.

2. What does this say about him as a person?

The last action of Clemente before he died says a lot about his personality. He
did not hesitate to go to Nicaragua to offer help, which makes him very admirable.
His genuine intention to help proves that he has a good heart and is willing to lend a
hand whenever needed. This event also shows how humble Clemente is because
even though he is a famous personality and can send anyone else to Nicaragua, he
still chooses to go there by himself.
READING CHECK Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Why did Clemente believe he had to go to Nicaragua on New Year’s Eve?

A. A Central American had to go.

B. He is a famous baseball player.

C. He didn’t know who else would go, and someone had to do it.

2. What did the people do when they heard the news about Roberto?

A. They starting walking to the beach.

B. They became interested in baseball.

C. They moved to Puerto Rico.

3. Were the Pittsburg Pirates a good baseball team when Clemente first joined
them?

A. Yes, they won the championship.

B. No, they were losers.

C. They turned around overnight.

4. What award did Clemente win in his second World Series?

A. The Gold Bat

B. MVP

C. VPM

5. How many hits did Roberto Clemente have in his baseball career?

A. 30

B. 300

C. 3,000
 Module 12: Understanding Elements of Fiction

MAKE CONNECTIONS. Write about where you would live if you could live anywhere in
the world.

If I will have a chance to live anywhere in the world, I wanted to live in a place
where there is no war or chaos. I wanted to live in a peaceful country with different
seasons like spring, summer, fall, and winter. Living happily in a tranquil place with the
people I love is my ultimate dream. I believe that there is no perfect place in this world,
but when my family is with me, I feel like I can live anywhere and would still be happy.

AFTER READING. Analyzing the Setting

1. Describe how the people of the village act as they begin to assemble on the
square before the lottery gets underway. Do you think their behavior is
ordinary, or do you find it unusual? Why?

When the villagers begin to assemble on the square before the lottery,
they seem used to it already. All people gather around like they already have
done it several times, and it appears like a normal thing for them to do. I think this
behavior of them is very unusual. I find it strange how all of them can stand the
lottery and even let their children participate. Thinking of it makes me feel bad for
them.

2. What are some specific details that indicate the lottery has been conducted
in the village every year for a very long period of time? How has the lottery
changed over the years?

Some of the details which indicate that the lottery has already been
conducted in the village for a very long time are the way the villagers act like it is
a normal thing and also, the black box that they are using in the lottery becomes
very shabby. The official of the lottery used to perform rituals like chanting or
singing, but as the years passed, they feel like it is only necessary for an official
to speak to the person approaching him.

3. Why would the villagers in "The Lottery" keep following the blind tradition?

The villagers in “The Lottery” keep following the blind tradition because
they have this mindset of sticking to the practices they are used to. They think
 that there should always be a lottery to keep their practices alive and they even
think that those who gave up on this tradition are fools.

Module 13: Understanding Elements of Fiction

MAKE CONNECTIONS. You may have had an experience before where you couldn’t
explain yourself clearly in English, or you didn’t know the words to say what you were
thinking. How did you handle yourself in such a situation?

I already have countless times where I can’t express myself clearly in words.
There are times that I badly want to explain my thoughts or defend myself, but I can’t
find the right words to say, especially when I have to say them in English. In these kinds
of situations, I would usually stay quiet and go along. Sometimes, I would also express
it through writing and practice how to compose my words whenever situations like these
would come again.

USE READING SKILLS: Evaluate Cause and Effect In the story “Echo & Narcissus,” many
things are explained as the work of supernatural beings. Gods and goddesses punished
people as a result of being offended by them or their actions. As you read the story, note the
events that resulted from supernatural causes. In the table below, describe the
supernatural cause for each event. Then, write a sentence summarizing the cause and
effect.

Cause Effect Summary

The goddess Hera punishes Echo can only repeat the Echo can only repeat the
Echo for helping Zeus by words she hears. words of others because she
distracting her with a story. offended Hera

The goddess Nemesis Narcissus fell in love with Narcissus fell in love with
punished Narcissus as his reflection. his reflection because of
revenge for the nymph he the punishment given by
spurned. Nemesis.

Narcissus found himself in Narcissus perished after Narcissus drank water in

a pond putting his face to seeing his reflection. the pond, and after he saw
the waters to quench his his reflection, he perished.
thirst.
AFTER READING

1. How did Narcissus treat the feelings of others?

Narcissus did not think of other’s feelings and rejected them when he wants
to. He thinks highly of himself that he ignores everyone who fell in love with him
making them feel like they are not enough. His pride grows that he had nothing but
scorn for the feelings of others.

2. What did Narcissus value the most?

Narcissus values his self the most. He doesn’t care about others and what
matters to him is his own sake. He even fell in love with himself after he was cursed
and saw his reflection in the water. He harshly rejected those who fell for him and
only showed interest in things he wanted to do.

3. Why was Echo punished by Hera?

Hera was mad when she found out that she was fooled by Echo when Zeus
was trying to escape. She distracted Hera with a flow of entertaining conversation,
so she was cursed to only speak what others would say to her.

4. How did the other nymph react when she fell in love with Narcissus?

When the other nymph was rejected by Narcissus after expressing her
feelings towards him, she cried to the heavens for vengeance. He wanted Narcissus
to fell into a love that is not returned, and Nemesis, the goddess of righteous anger,
heard her.

5. Why did Narcissus waste away and die?

Narcissus wasted away and died because he could not leave the reflection of
himself with which he has fallen in love. Nemesis punished Narcissus as revenge
for the nymph whom he rejected. So, in other words, Narcissus died because of his
actions.

6. Do you think that Narcissus deserved what had happened to him afterward?
Do you agree that a person’s punishment should be as harsh as the crime he
or she committed? Explain your answer.

I think that Narcissus partially deserved what happened to him afterward. He

hurt a lot of feelings because of his enigmatic behavior and harsh words. He
needed to learn a lesson about it, but I also feel like the goddess should have given
 him a chance to revive himself and correct his mistakes. I agree that a person’s
punishment should be equal to the crime he or she committed. The person must
hold accountable for his actions, but I also think that everyone also deserves a
second chance. I believe that giving people the opportunity to repent and change for
the better is more acceptable.

Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What did Echo do that angered Hera?

A. She escaped with Zeus.

B. She helped Zeus escape.

C. She fell in love with Zeus.

2. What was Echo’s punishment?

A. She could only repeat what others said to her.

B. She would turn into a flower when she saw other nymphs.

C. She would fall in love with someone who wouldn’t love her.

3. Why did Narcissus run away from Echo?

A. He heard someone calling him.

B. He thought Echo was going to curse him.

C. He saw Echo was not the person he sought.

4. Whom did Narcissus fall in love with?

A. Echo

B. himself

C. Nemesis

5. What happened to Narcissus’s body?

A. The nymphs buried it near the pond.

B. It was taken to Tiresias, the blind seer.

C. It turned into a yellow and white flower.

ANALYZE LITERATURE: Use what you read to analyze the myth and answer the
questions below. According to the myth, where did echoes and narcissus flowers
come from?

According to the Myth, echoes and narcissus flowers come from the wasted
bodies of the nymphs Echo and Narcissus. They both died because of a curse, and
their characteristics are similar to what they had experienced when they are still alive.

1. What does the myth tell you about how people in Ancient Greece viewed
their gods?

The myth tells me that the people in Ancient Greece viewed their gods as
someone who exists in nature. They give life to them according to the roles they
should be playing in the life of people. The Ancient Greek people also viewed
their gods as the ones who gives punishment to those who have done something
wrong.

2. How did myths like “Echo & Narcissus” help bring order to society in
Ancient Greece?

The myth tells me that people in Ancient Greece viewed their gods as
someone who exists in nature. They give life to them according to the roles they
should be playing in the life of people. The Ancient Greek people also viewed
their gods as the ones who give punishment to those who have done something
wrong.

USE READING SKILLS: Evaluate Cause and Effect Review the information you wrote
in your Cause and Effect Chart, and use your notes to answer the question below.

Narcissus was cursed by Nemesis to fall in love with someone who could never love
him in return. He was not cursed to fall in love with his reflection. Why, then, do you
think Narcissus fell in love with himself when he saw his reflection?

Narcissus was not cursed to fall in love with his reflection, and instead, the
curse is him falling in love with someone who could not love him back. I think he fell for
his reflection because there might be no other nymph that would not love him back
except for himself. There is no way for Narcissus to have the love in exchange for what
he gives to himself because it is still him all the way. This occurrence is something that
perfectly fits the curse that Nemesis had given him.
 Module 14: Writing an Essay about an Essay

MAKE CONNECTIONS If given a chance to alleviate poverty, what suggestions serious

or satirical can you give to our government and why?

If given a chance to alleviate poverty, the suggestions that I will offer to the
government are those center on providing free education, increasing the employment
rate, and ending corruption. If many citizens have a chance to study and graduate from
college, there would be a higher chance that their families would live out of poverty. But,
many graduates can also be useless if there are no jobs available in the industry. This
happening is the reason why it is essential to give and produce jobs for people. Lastly,
corruption must stop. The government is earning a lot from people’s taxes and other
sources, yet we barely see improvement in our country. This unfortunate event happens
because some government officials are abusing their power and taking advantage of
their privileges instead of prioritizing the development of our country.

USE READING SKILLS: Take Notes.

As you read, take note about the problems in the essay by writing down important ideas
and supporting details. Then, look for ways on what the author wants to convey about
his essay. Use the Take Notes Outline below to help you organize the important ideas
and supporting details that you find as you read.

I. Solution to poverty

A. Support local products and reject foreign luxury

B. Taxing people absentees

II. What people must change

A. Expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming

B.

III. What should people do

A. Quitting animosities and factions

B. Introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance, and learn to love the
country.
AFTER READING

1. What is the problem and to what extent is it a problem? What information

leads you to your conclusion?

The problem talked about in the essay is the worsening of the poverty of a
country. This problem is getting out of hand that it already requires immediate
action. The information that leads me to this conclusion is the struggling
scenarios depicted in the essay and the desperate suggestion of the author on
how to end poverty.

2. What is swift suggesting that the Irish do in order to make money, do you
think he is being serious here?

Swift suggests that families should sell newborn babies or make a dish out
of it to make money. He might be desperate to end the poverty in his country, but
I think he is not serious about using the babies. Swift uses this irony to suggest
ways of ending poverty and criticize the nasty practices of Irish people.

3. Briefly, what would be involved in the implementation?

The implementation would involve the government, the people, the

country, and other nearby kingdoms. It would certainly create a stir for the people
not only in Ireland but also around the world. Everyone would be involved in the
implementation, from the poor to the rich and countries in the world.

4. Who are the person to appear to endorse the proposal?

The persons who appear to endorse the proposal are those who are
desperate for change and money. They might be genuinely hoping for the better,
but their desperation would lead to dreadful scenarios that are not morally
acceptable.  
5. In what ways do their endorsements help or hurt the proposal?

These people’s endorsements might help implement the proposal and

make it known to the public, but it might also cause harm when they do not know
the meaning behind it. Only those who support it with a better understanding of
its sense could help the proposal.

6. What are some of the principal advantages of the proposal?

 One of the principal advantages of the proposal is how it addresses the
issues and concerns of the country that causes poverty. Swift did it uniquely that
it caught a lot of attention. The proposal is also well organized in which it makes
every possible problem talked about exclusively.

7. What are some possible objections of the proposal?

The proposal is presented in a very clever yet strange way. This thought
might be the reason why it will receive possible objections. It used selling and
slaughtering newborn babies as an ironic way to address the poverty in the
country. It might be insensitive and controversial to others in which objections will
not be absent on this matter.

8. In what way does he concede these objections?

Swift concede these objections by telling how he only wanted the best for
his country. He also mentioned that his proposal is only applicable in Ireland and
that he never speaks for the whole world, so people outside Ireland should not
talk against him.

9. Why does Swift say that the Irish are devoured economically?

Swift said that the Irish are devoured economically because of how they
unconsciously sell their country for nothing. He also mentioned how they have
too tender consistency. This idea can be associated with how poverty in their
country happens because of their act of negligence. Swift wanted to show that
Ireland could easily be swallowed by other countries even they lack persistence.

Choose the correct answer from the options below by writing the letter before the
number
D 1. In what ways do their endorsements help or hurt the proposal?
A 2. What are some of the principal advantages of the proposal?
C 3. What is the problem and to what extent is it a problem? What information
leads you to your conclusion?
B 4. What are some possible objections to the proposal?
A. They will be much less people in the kingdom
B. Reduce the number of Pappists (Catholics). Remember most of the Irish were
Roman Catholic. English were product and there was a strong anti-Catholic
sentiment and England during this time. Catholics were known for having large
families so Remember most of the Irish were Roman Catholic. English were
protestants and there was a strong anti-Catholic sentiment and England during
this time. Catholics were known for having large families so less Catholics
 wouldn't smaller families Catholics wouldn't smaller families
- reducing the number of the poor and the burdens on their landowners (English)
-improve the business and taverns (more food)
-encourage marriage
C. These are excessive and poor starving people in Ireland. Due to the lack of work
women and their children are having to resort to being baggers in the streets,
Swift describe seeing mothers and their children begging in the streets
D. Smith's friend, the American suggest raising teenagers in place. This idea would
seem to hurt it was all, but swept the distance is the idea because the meat of
teenagers would be too tough

USE READING SKILLS: Take Notes. Review the notes that you took in your Take
Notes Outline while reading the essay. Use your notes to summarize the ideas. Then,
make your own modest proposal to address problems and issues in our society.

Poverty is undeniably one of the worst dilemmas that many countries are facing.
There are different approaches to solve this problem, but not all of them apply to every
country. If I have to address this issue, I will start first on giving significance to
education. We all know that having knowledge and learning could make a huge
difference. Everyone else can apply for a decent job or start their own business if they
basic education or a degree. Second, I wanted to propose an increase in available jobs
for the public. There are many fresh graduates in the Philippines, but the problem is that
there are not enough occupations for them to fill in. If the government would put
extensive effort into producing more jobs, then the poverty in the country might lessen.
Lastly, I suggest that the government would focus on the suppression of corruption by
the officials. I sincerely believe that it is one of the reasons why the country is still not
progressive as the other countries. Corrupt government officials must be get rid of, and
by that, I also suggest that the citizens of the Philippines would choose their leaders
wisely. I am hoping that the government and the people would support local products
more than those of foreign. In general, my sincere concern and constructive criticisms to
the Filipinos and the government are only for what I think is best.

Module 15: Understanding Literary Criticism: Sociological, Marxist Approach

MAKE CONNECTIONS : Did you ever experience to do more work in a team than your
fellow teammates and had the same result, whether it be in a form of grade or a score
in a game? Do you think it is fair for you? What went wrong?

Yes, I used to do more work in a team than my fellow teammates when I was in
senior high school. This scenario always happens to me, especially when I am the task
leader in a school project. Because we are in the same team, my fellow teammates also
have the same grade as mine. It is somewhat unfair because every one of us should get
a grade or score corresponding to our effort. What went wrong there is that other
members might think that it is okay to do less because they would still get the same
grades like any other in the team. It might lead to dependency and negligence of a
person.

AFTER READING

1. Compare the lives of the animals when they live under Jones and under
Napoleon. In what ways has Napoleon proven himself a similar tyrant?

There is no vast difference between the lives of animals under Jones and
Napoleon. When Jones is still the one who manages his manor farm, he treats
the animals like how humans do. The animals are under his control, which is why
he can do anything to them according to his will. In Napoleon’s case, the animals
are free to do anything, but they are treated unjustly by the pigs. It proves that
Napoleon, although being an animal himself, is a similar tyrant because he fools
other animals and leads them with too much greediness.  

2. Throughout the novel, the natural characteristics of each animal figure heavily in
their motives and pronouncements. How do the actions of Napoleon (a pig),
Boxer (a horse), Benjamin (a donkey) and the dogs and sheep reflect the traits
normally associated with the animal?

The pronouncements of each animal throughout the novel reflect a lot

about their natural characteristics. First is Napoleon, a pig whose character is a
greedy leader and an animal that eats a lot. These impressions are observed in
pigs as they eat anything with greed. Next is Boxer, a horse who is a very
beneficial animal in the novel. Boxer shows his strength in building the windmill
for everyone, which is similar to how horses naturally help humans in many
things using their power. Benjamin, a donkey, believes that life would still be
unpleasant no matter who leads them. It reflects how donkeys are not easily
startled and have developed a sense of self-preservation. The dogs, sheep, and
other animals also show dependency on their leaders. They naively trust the pigs
as in charge of their decisions, similar to how these animals depend on human
masters.
ANALYSIS. Review the story that you have just read. Take note of the images and
symbols etc. used by Orwell to show struggles of common man. Use your notes to
summarize and support the ideas. Then, write an analysis about your interpretation
using Marxist approach showing the struggles of the characters (the oppressed) in the
story.

The story written by Orwell shows the struggles of the men by using images,
symbols, and scenarios. It creates an idea of how society works with a different attitude
of the people and the leaders. Orwell used the pigs to symbolize the traits and motives
of various leaders. Some leaders either use military force or compassion over their
people. The animals in the story also reflect the different types of people under
leadership and society.
Using the Marxist approach in showing the struggles of these people, I would
start up to those who can’t do anything and submissive ones. I can label them as the
lowest in the class and the ones who struggle the most. These people are less
significant in society, and they are dependent on those higher than them and follow
everything they say without a doubt. The other class is those who are against the
leadership but could not do anything about it. This class of people in public can think
independently but cannot voice their stand about specific issues and political beliefs
because of their status. These people also struggle a lot since they do not have enough
power to suppress the higher-ups. The last class is the upper class, which manages,
owns, or runs an entity. They come with immense influence in society as they can do
and demand anything they want.
According to Marxist theory, the struggles of people in the state connect with
their class or status. The characters in the story, from the pigs, horse, dogs, sheep, and
donkey, represented these classes and hardships. Thus, Orwell did a great job of using
images and symbols to correspond to what is truthfully happening in society using the
Marxist approach.

Module 16: Understanding Literary Criticism: Feminist Approach

MAKE CONNECTIONS. What lesson can a woman learn from men so as man to
women?

For me, men and women are equally capable of learning and doing
what each other can do. If I have to point out some lessons that women can
learn from men, I would tell about the ability of men to think decisively and
their ability to open abstract ideas. These traits that are found typically in
men can be very beneficial for women to learn. I believe men should most
understand the sensitivity and expressiveness of women. Women are known
for handling situations with compassion and warmth, far from the violence
that most men do. It would be pleasant to see if men and women would
willingly learn lessons from each other.

READING CHECK. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. In 'A Rose for Emily,' why does the narrator think most of the women in town attend
Emily's funeral?
a. The women want to see inside Emily's house.
b. The women admire Emily's determination.
c. The women of the town respect one another.
d. The women are forced by their husbands to attend.

2. What do the ladies in 'A Rose for Emily' believe has caused the smell coming from
Emily's house?
a. a dead body inside
b. poor care of the kitchen
c. mold in the cellar
d. an infection

3. What disservice do the townspeople believe that Emily's father did to her in 'A Rose
for Emily'?
a. The townspeople think that Emily's father physically abused her.
b. The townspeople think that Emily's father left her in debt.
c. The townspeople think that Emily's father prevented her from getting married.
d. The townspeople think that Emily's father did not teach her manners.

4. The townspeople have always believed that the Griersons ___.

a. Worked themselves too hard
b. Were cursed by witches
c. Thought too highly of themselves
d. Saved the town from bankruptcy

5. Homer says of himself that he is "not a ___ man. "

a. Marrying
b. Curious
c. Trustworthy
 d. Brave

AFTER READING. Answer the following questions comprehensively

What does the narrator mean when he describes Emily Grierson as "a fallen
monument"?

I think what the narrator means about his description of Emily Grierson as “a
fallen monument” is concerning Emily’s trait when she is still alive. The narrator viewed
her as a monument, maybe because of her firmness, and she cannot be moved easily.
The reason can also be the reputation of Emily that is prominent to the people, similar to
a monument. The word fallen is only added because Emily eventually died.

What is so scandalous about Emily Grierson's relationship with Homer Barron?

Homer Barron is seen as a man beneath the station of Emily Grierson, which is
why their relationship is so scandalous. People think that Emily had already forgotten
their family’s pride. Another reason for their relationship becoming shameful is because
Homer said that he is not a marrying man.

Why does Emily Grierson attach herself to Homer Barron?

I think Emily Grierson attaches herself to Homer because he is the only one she
can be comfortable with instinctively, and he is someone that reminds her of her father.
Homer is outgoing and makes everyone around him laugh, so Emily has enjoyed being
with his company. They also had these Sunday rituals of driving a buggy car around the
streets, which might be one of the reasons why Emily fell in love with him.

What is the "rose" in "A Rose for Emily"?

The rose in “A Rose for Emily” symbolizes love and affection. Emily had many
suitors at a young age, but she never accepted anyone of them. It is like they offered
roses for her, but she never picks one until Homer came. He might be the love of Emily,
but their story did not end well.

Why was the relationship between Emily Grierson and Homer Barton considered
a disgrace?

The relationship between Emily Grierson and Homer Barton was considered a
disgrace because they do not come from the same class. Homer is a black person, and
he is only a day laborer, while Emily came from a family who highly thinks of
themselves. People also believe that their relationship is not a good example for young
people. Another thing is, Homer said that he likes men and that he is not a marrying
man, which made people pity Emily more.
ANALYSIS. Review the notes that you took in your Take Notes Outline while reading
the story. Use your notes to summarize and support the ideas. Then, write an analysis
about your interpretation using feminist approach showing the struggles of
women/Emily.

The story “A Rose for Emily” represents toxic stereotypes of people among men
and women. Emily suffers a lot because of people’s judgment of her, from how she acts,
lives, and chooses a person to love. Her neighbors constantly monitor her, but she
remained firm and did things she wanted to do. These scenarios are somewhat similar
to what women are experiencing in reality. There would always be rumors circulating,
and with one wrong move, you are suddenly canceled. Gender Inequality is also evident
in the story, like how the roles of men and women are put exclusively to each other.
Racial discrimination is also apparent in the story. People in the story think so low of the
black people and only viewed them as laborers or slaves. There are many standards set
for every man and woman in society, and sadly, we are still not getting rid of them. I
imagined how many women suffer because of stereotypes from the public, and it makes
me sad. Nevertheless, I am proud and happy for every woman who remains tough and
compassionate despite all odds. I hope for a better future where gender won’t matter,
and everyone would have equal rights.