Personification, Symbolism, Allusion “Thank You, Ma’am” Personification, Symbolism, Allusion

Personification Definition: giving human traits (qualities, feelings, action, or characteristics) to non-living objects (things, colors, qualities, or ideas).

Personification Examples “The Most Dangerous Game” “The hounds cried out with excitement as they caught the scent of Rainsford as he ran through the forest.” “Twenty feet below him the sea rumbled and hissed.” “The Cask of Amontillado” “My heart grew sick…”

Symbolism Definition: A symbol is a person, a place, an activity, or an object that stands for something beyond itself. Examples:

Symbolism Examples The necklace in “The Necklace” can represent _____________________________. The old black box in “The Lottery” can represent _____________________________. The coat of arms in “The Cask of Amontillado” can represent _________________________________. The ___________ in “Thank You, Ma’am” can represent _________________________________.

Symbolism Examples The necklace Mathilde’s desire to be someone she is not (since it is fake and she “fakes” being rich). The old black  the tradition at the core of the lottery (it is old and battered) that the townspeople don’t want to stop following. The coat of arms Montresor as the golden foot (of supposed justice) crushing Fortunato, the serpent/attacker hiding in the grass. “Thank You, Ma’am” The purse  the life that Roger desires/ Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones has The blue suede shoes Roger’s desire to fit in/ have status $10 Mrs. LBWJ’s generosity and kindness Act of washing face Roger regaining youthful innocence/ purity after trying to steal the purse…also, Mrs. LBWJ’s maternal love and care.

Allusion Definition: an implied reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature Allusions help to illustrate a point

Allusion Examples “The Most Dangerous Game” “Thank You, Ma’am” Madame Butterfly– Then he sat down, took a drink of brandy from a silver flask, lit a cigarette, and hummed a bit from Madame Butterfly.” Marcus Aurelius– “In his library he read, to soothe himself, from the works of Marcus Aurelius.” Aesop Fable― “I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable.” “Thank You, Ma’am” Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” –"I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes," said the boy.

“Thank You, Ma’am” Discussion With a partner, discuss and write down your responses to the following questions (story pp 137-140). 1. What two adjectives can you think of to describe Mrs. Jones? For each adjective, find at least one quote. Example: Strong “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter.” THIS IS ONE ADJECTIVE/QUOTE 2. Analyze how Roger’s view of Mrs. Jones changed from the beginning to the end of the story. Include quotations to show how he used to be, and how he is at the end.

Discussion Continued What is a possible theme of “Thank You, Ma’am”? How does Hughes develop the theme? Consider characterization, plot details, and dialogue.