The Man Who Planted Trees

Today we will be viewing The Man Who Planted Trees.

It is a short story published in 1953 by French author Jean Giono. An allegorical tale, it tells the story of one shepherd's long and successful single-handed effort to re-forest a desolate valley in the foothills of the Alps in Provence throughout the first half of the 20th century. It was written in French, but first published in English.

It was adapted as an animated short by Frédéric Back and released in 1987. It earned a number of awards including an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Watch the animated short, and thoughtfully answer the following questions in complete sentences. You will be marked on the quality of your written expression. Each question will be worth two marks.

1. Who was Elzéard Bouffier?

2. What was his character like?

3. What did he do in his life?

4. What obstacles did he have to overcome?

5. What were the results of Bouffier’s work? 

6. Are “trees” used metaphorically in the story?

7. Does the story have a message about life? 

8. How did the story make you feel?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTvYh8ar3tc

"Saturday Climbing"

 "Saturday Climbing" by W. D. Valgardson

 

 

1.   Give one example of conflict in the story. What type of conflict is it? Write two to three sentences and provide at least one quote to support your thoughts (Hint: quotes use quotation marks).

 

2.   “Life seeks balance” is a theme statement for this story. Using evidence from the text, give an example that highlights the theme.

 

3.   In this story, Moira and her father share some successes and conflicts, as well as feelings of tension because of her wanting to move on and her father not wanting to let go. Describe a recent conflict you have had with your parent(s) or guardian(s) (2-3 paragraphs).

 

"The Brass Teapot"

 Questions for the story "The Brass Teapot"

1. List the following details for this story:

• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Conflict
• Climax
• Point of View

2. The final line of the story, "we could buy our way into paradise" is an example of dramatic irony. Explain why.
3. Can you think of anything in our society that would drive someone to act like John and Alice do in this story? What might the teapot symbolize in that situation?
4. Go back and read the start of the story about how they acquire the teapot. What do you know now that you have finished the story that was not obvious before?

"The Kayak"

 “The Kayak” by Debbie Spring

 

1.   What is it that Teresa most desires? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

2.   Why did Teresa start to head for shore?

3.   What does the author's use of italics indicate?

4.   Which literary device is used in the line, "you don't know what it's like being so helpless."

5.   What does Jamie's remark, "Bring the marshmallows" suggest about the way he thinks of Teresa?