The Thief of Always: Discussion/Lab

This morning gather in a discussion group and talk about the book. You should have read The Thief of Always by now, but if you didn't talk about what you HAVE read of the book. There will be a test on the book Thursday. Prepare for the test by discussing the following and know the basic plot, conflicts, setting, and characters.

Motifs (a motif is a recurring or repeated object, image, or idea in a story)
Personification: Giving inanimate or non-living objects human qualities.
Similes: A comparison between two things using the words “like” or “as” or metaphors: a comparison between two unlikely things.

Themes:
Themes come in 4 basic flavors: (consider how the author uses all these themes in his book)

1. Nature
2. love
3. death
4. life 

Time: Follow references to time throughout the novel. Notice when characters talk about time. How might all this talk about time create a lesson or meaning for us as readers?

Names: many of the names in this book hold clues as to their true nature or significance. Discuss what you found out about the names of these characters? Particularly Marr, Rictus, 'Hood, Ms. Griffin, Carna, etc.

Animals: Look for the types of animals mentioned or met in the novel. What might be the connection between them? How do animals or animal qualities compare/contrast to the human characters?

Transformation: A character that changes in a story is called “dynamic”. Who are the dynamic characters in the book and how or why do they change?

Stealing/Loss: something taken from you or something once possessed now lost.

Discuss, analyze, and evaluate the book with your peers.

LAB WORK:

Please continue writing on your blogs using the prompts from below. Try to complete at least 1-2 today, if not more. When you are ready, please begin your writing assignment below:

Now you try writing a story. Follow these steps by writing in your JOURNAL: 

1. Choose a month

2. Choose an event in that month. Look here for help.

3. Create a rough character list (you may always add to this list as you write)

4. Select a specific place for most of these characters to meet (or at least 2-3 of them)

5. Write a 1-2 sentence statement about what you believe to be true: examples:

• Good people win in the end. 
• Parents are important models for children.
• Time should not be wasted.

Use this statement to create a metaphor and story "spine"--a premise for your story or themes. 

6. Create a motif or symbol--a recurring event or object that helps create a metaphor for your theme. Consider how Barker uses motif or symbols to comment on his theme: (time, for instance)...
7. Choose one of your characters from your character list (see #3) to be your protagonist.
8. Start your story with a problem that AFFECTS your protagonist. Describe in your opening paragraph how this is a problem for your character.
9. Add a better hook or opening sentence once you get started.
10. Keep writing. What does your character do to solve his/her problem? Usually, our actions to solve problems cause other problems. How do these consequences cause problems for the protagonist? Keep writing and find out!

HOMEWORK: If you did not complete your reading of The Thief of Always, please complete this book and prepare for your exam on Thursday.