Two Versions of One Narrative Page 33 Compare

Two Versions of One Narrative Page 33 • Compare and Contrast plot structure and language in two texts in different genres (memoir and poem). • Explain how a writer’s choices regarding language and content construct the meaning of a text

The Watts Towers (in Watts, South Los Angeles)

Simon Rodia Originally from Italy, Simon, known as Sam, moved to LA in 1921 when he was 42 years old. Built Watts Towers for 33 years. World’s single largest structure built by one individual.

From Always Running by Luis Rodriguez As we read, highlight and annotate examples of imagery, and language (words and phrases…diction) that help you make inferences about the speaker. What is the important connection among setting, characters, and conflict? How does the description in paragraphs 4 -7 of the bullies, their words, and their actions shape your perceptions of them? Of Rano? How does the description in paragraphs 8 -10 shape your perception of the narrator’s relationship to his brother? Of his decision to write this piece?

“’Race’Politics, ” a poem by Luis Rodriguez uses fragments for effect. Point out several fragments and explain the different effects they create in the poem. How does the author’s use of repetition affect tone (or attitude) of the piece? How does he combine this repetition with specific sensory details (imagery) for effect?

Discussion questions What new information did you glean from the poem that you did not get from the first text? Why would he include new details in the poem? How do they change the reader’s impression of the event?

Compare and Contrast Create a Venn Diagram. Label Always Running and Race Politics List at least 5 differences. List at least 3 similarities.

Which voice (prose or poetry version) is more effective? Which is easier to visualize and understand? Why? Which version do you think is more powerful? Why?

With a partner and on a half sheet of paper, create a plot diagram for Always Running Remember that the diagram may look different based on how you analyze the events of the story!

On the back! With a partner and on a half sheet of paper, create a plot diagram for Race Politics Remember that the diagram may look different based on how you analyze the events of the story!

Compare and Contrast Review – What do we do when we compare and contrast? What are we looking for? Take your two plot diagrams and compare and contrast the plot structure you discovered. What is similar? What is different? Which one do you think is most effective and WHY? Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

SUBJECTS AND THEMES Remember, a theme is a literary work’s central idea or main message about life; usually not stated directly but left to the reader to define; not a moral. A subject: The topic of the text There CAN be more than one! One word Ex: Fear, innocence, love, hate, death Pick 2 subjects for “Always Running” and 2 subjects for “Race Politics”

SUBJECTS AND THEMES A theme statement: Is one sentence Voices author’s message or opinion about the subject. Ex: People overcome fear through courage. Does NOT give advice (avoid words like “should” and “don’t”) Use the subjects we have put together as a class to write a THEME STATEMENT!