Think, Pair, Share…

• Your first crush…– Who was it (come up with a fake name if

you need to)?– When was it?– How did you act around them?– Does love make you do crazy things?

“The Bass, The River and Sheila Mant”

By W.D. Wetherell

Theme: a truth/message about life and human nature that gives meaning to a story

• Themes are usually not stated directly.• Stories can have more than one theme.• Some themes are universal.• Themes should be expressed in a

complete sentence.

Conflict: A struggle between two opposing forces

• internal man vs. himself—the struggle takes

place in the character’s mind or heart• external man vs. an outside force—the

struggle is against another man, nature, the environment, the supernatural, society

Allusion: A brief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art. Often allusions refer to a story associated with that person, event or place.• Allusions are drawn from history,

geography, literature, or religion.

Allusion: In this short story, there are allusions to two historical figures:

• Jackie Onassis

• Ann-Margret

Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Wife of JFK; famous first lady noted for her fashion sense & the pillbox hat; married Greek millionaire after assassination of JFK; led life of wealthy recluse.

From President’s Widow to Millionaire’s Wife

Ann-MargretA popular actress in the ’60s

1960’s Version Of a Megan Fox

Background Info: When the narrator mentions the Dartmouth Heavyweight Crew, he is talking about sculling.

Vocabulary to Know:

Denizens—inhabitantsPensive—dreamily thoughtfulDubious—doubtfulAntipathy—strong dislikeFilial—pertaining to a son or daughterSurreptitiously—sneakilyConspicuous—obvious or very easy to seeConcussion—powerful shock or impactLuminous—glowing or giving off lightQuizzical—puzzled or questioning

Which of the following sentences sounds like a

theme?• Teenage boys often fall for older girls.

• Teenagers often do silly things for love.

• Boys are more self-centered than girls.

• Bad decisions often “haunt” the decision maker.