1. Title: “What Do Fish Have To Do With Anything?”
Author: Avi

2. Flashbacks
A point in the story when the characters think back to something in the past
Purposes:
To explain past events in order to understand current events or feelings
To foreshadow future events
Examples from past stories / Purpose:
Examples from this story / Purpose:
Lines

3. Foreshadowing Clues to future events in the story
These events usually connect to the theme
Examples from past stories:
Examples from this story:
Lines

4. Symbolism
A person, place, object, or action that stands for something beyond itself
To find symbols in a story, look for repeated topics in a story
Use the symbols to help find the theme!
Examples:
Chains symbolize slavery
White dove symbolizes peace
Eagle symbolizes power
Examples from past stories:
Examples from this story:
Money –
Caves –
Cake –
Eyes-
Fish-
Which symbol helps find the theme? Why?

5. Figurative Language / Purpose
The purpose of a simile is to connect two ideas/things together in order to visualize
By visualizing the comparison, the reader can then better connect to the character or what they are feeling
Examples from this story / Purpose:
Lines –
Lines

6. Stated or Implied Theme
The theme = the message the writer wishes to give about the topic
Theme Topic + Events in the story = Theme Statement
Clues to the theme can come from
the title + symbols + characters + plot
Use the formula to write a theme statements for this story:

7. How the author reveals character (STEAL +1)
S – says
T- thoughts
E – effects on others (what others say)
A – actions
L – looks like / appearance
+1 – author directly tells the reader
Justify that Mrs. Markham is “blind” using several STEAL +1

8. Conflicts: Kinds and Examples
Internal – character is struggling with a decision inside their head
Person vs. self
External – character is struggling with an outside force
Person vs. person
person vs. group
person vs. technology
person vs. environment
Person vs. society
Examples from past stories:
External-
Internal -
Examples from this story:
External – Lines 360 -end -
Internal - Lines 160 -

9. Purpose for writing this text and explain
The author’s reason for creating a text
To entertain – to make the reader laugh
To explain – a “how to” or a “why”
To inform – to give facts about a topic
To express an opinion
To persuade the readers to do or believe something
Authors may have more than one purpose, but usually ONE is the MOST important
The purpose will be connected to the theme!
Purpose of past texts:
Purpose of this story:
How is the purpose connect this this story’s theme?

10. TEST FRIDAY
All of these skills will be on Friday’s test, however you will have to read a different text.
If you have questions about any of the skills, I should see you in SSLAM BEFORE Friday’s class