Directions: For this portfolio, you will be analyzing 2 stories: “The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed” & “Don’t Count Your Chickens”. The first is a folktale, & the second is written in the style of a folktale. Your analysis should focus on the following essay prompt: What life lesson or important values do you think the younger brothers in the two stories help readers understand?
Portfolio Requirements:
Your essay must be at least 3 paragraphs.
Read the stories & choose a life lesson OR important value that you feel the readers should learn based on the younger brothers in BOTH stories. Find evidence in BOTH stories to support your thesis.
Answer the question, “How are the younger boys DIFFERENT from the older brothers in BOTH stories?” and find evidence from BOTH stories to support your answer.
Find TWO examples of how the authors’ use of plot events, language, and literary devices give BOTH stories meaning & show what the authors want the readers to learn (Author’s Message). Here is a link to a list of Literary Devices to help you determine what was used in the stories.
Your analysis must be submitted in MLA format & include a Works Cited Page for the 2 stories.
You must submit your analysis to the Paper Review Center & provide their feedback along with your updated analysis (showing that you utilized their feedback) in the dropbox. Click here to watch a video on how to submit to the Paper Review Center. Click here to read how to download their feedback.
You will be graded using the rubric on the next page (also linked here)
Resources to help you plan & draft your literary analysis:
“The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed” link- this story is also linked in the Connexus lessons
“Don’t Count Your Chickens” link- this story is also linked in the Connexus lessons
3 Paragraph Essay- This explains what should go in each of your 3 paragraphs for this essay.
Literary Analysis Outline- This walks you through organizing your essay & includes tips for introducing quotes/evidence
Works Cited:
“The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed” (link to story)
“Don’t Count Your Chickens” (link to story)
In the two stories “The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed” and “Don’t Count Your Chickens”, the younger brothers serve as symbols of perseverance and resilience, teaching readers the important life lesson of never giving up. In both stories, the younger brothers face challenges and obstacles, but they continue to push forward and ultimately succeed.
In “The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed”, the younger brother, the Swallow, is determined to prove his worth and earn his place in the world. Despite facing ridicule and doubt from his older brothers, he perseveres and eventually saves the Kingdom by solving the riddle of the Pumpkinseed. This demonstrates the value of persistence and determination in the face of adversity.
Similarly, in “Don’t Count Your Chickens”, the younger brother takes on the challenge of retrieving the stolen chickens, even after his older brothers fail to do so. He uses his wit and cleverness to outsmart the thieves and recover the chickens, showing readers the importance of thinking outside the box and never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
The younger boys in both stories are different from their older brothers in that they possess a sense of resilience and determination that enables them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. While the older brothers may be more traditional or set in their ways, the younger brothers are willing to take risks and think creatively in order to succeed.
The authors of both stories use plot events, language, and literary devices to emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience. By showcasing the younger brothers’ journey and highlighting their struggles and successes, the authors convey a powerful message about the value of never giving up. Through their use of symbolism, imagery, and character development, the authors effectively communicate their message and leave readers with a lasting impression of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.