Thank You Mam Short Story by Langston Hughes
“Thank You, M’am” Short Story by Langston Hughes
Objective • Through the study of complex plot elements, the student will be able to explain characterization and demonstrate understanding by creating a visual representation of the types of characterization and STAR process.
Characterization • Based on your prior knowledge and parts of the word, what is characterization? • Characterization is the way in which an author reveals a character. • We characterize people all the time. Think about a person you would never trust. Why do you not trust him or her?
Characterization • Characterization is what an author uses to reveal or describe character traits • There are two ways an author can develop character: – Direct characterization – Indirect characterization
Direct Characterization • The writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like. • For example: – If the narrator in “Thank You, Ma’m” told us that Mrs. Jones was tough, nurturing, and generous.
Indirect Characterization • the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through: – The character's words – The character’s thoughts – The character’s actions – The character’s appearance – How other characters respond to them: what they say or think about them
Characterization Acronym • • S- says T- thinks A- acts or appears R- react or respond
Direct or Indirect? • A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.
Direct or Indirect? • B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.
Who is Langston Hughes? • Name: James Langston Hughes • Lived: February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967 • Considered one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form “jazz poetry” • Best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance
Harlem, New York • What do you think of when you think of Harlem? • Harlem – Neighborhood in New York City, 1920 s
VOCABULARY
Presentable • Presentable: – respectable, fit to be seen, acceptable – Not dressed in blue jeans, tee shirt, dirty • “You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable. ”
Mistrusted • distrust, doubt, suspect, be wary of, be afraid of • “And he did not want to be mistrusted now. ”
Latching • Clutching. grasping. Holding, grabbing, seizing • “…do not make the mistake of latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s …”
Barren • Unproductive, sterile, desolate, bleak, infertile, unfruitful, inhospitable • “…he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in the door. ”
Allusion: Blue Suede Shoes
How does characterization work? • Look at the information in the text. • Think: What do I learn about the character?
Look at Characterization • In your own words, what is characterization? • In your own words, what is indirect characterization? • In your own words, what is direct characterization?
Make a t-chart • Make a t-chart and compare the 2 characters. You can go for physical traits, values, actions, reactions, pasts, presents, wisdoms, etc. • 3 each, with a paragraph “in brackets, punctuation on the inside. ” (Pg. __)
Characters • Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones – Main: is involved in the conflict – Static: doesn’t change • Always caring and strong
Characters • Roger – Main: conflict revolves around him • Both Internal and External Conflict – Dynamic: changes • Starts out a thief and liar • Wants Mrs. Jones to trust him at the end
Setting ØPlace ØHarlem, New York ØDark walkway ØMrs. Jones’ small flat Ø One room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom ØTime ØLate at night Ø 1950’s Ø Clues: Blue Suede shoes
Conflict • External – Man vs. Man • Roger steals Mrs. Jones’ purse • Internal – Man vs. Self • Roger wants to run away but doesn’t want to disappoint Mrs. Jones
Theme • Right vs. wrong • Forgiveness • Restitution
- Slides: 25