Handout # 1
Mystery and Meaning
A WebQuest for 9th Grade English
Journey of the Self
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
The Task
You’re ready to begin! Have fun on your search for the answers to this mystery:
- define and identify a symbol;
- create and explain an original symbol;
- define a scarlet ibis;
- explain the significance of environment for the scarlet ibis.
Complete the Mystery and Meaning worksheet.
The Process
Directions: Make sure you read all of the directions before
you begin the journey. You will have a set of three activities to complete.
Follow the assigned order of the activities.
Activity #1
- What is a symbol? Instead of going to the textbook for the answer, go to the following site to find the definition of a symbol:
- Looking for more information on other literary devices? Check out this site:
Now that you understand what a symbol is, you are ready to move on to activity #2. Sit back and enjoy as you glance at a variety of symbols and their meanings.
Activity #2
- Lots of students dislike or fear literature because they think they “don’t get” the idea of symbolism. This next site contains examples explaining some traditional symbols in our culture. Don’t forget to check out the link at the bottom of this site that says “Go to symbols.” You might be surprised at what you find!
- This next site gives you a sampling of categories that provide a wide range of symbols. Click on at least five letters of the alphabet and record your five findings on your worksheet.
- The next site gives the meanings of flowers and their symbolism from poetry, history and past writings. Interested?
Activity #3
- You’re going to read a story about a scarlet ibis, and you have probably guessed that it will involve some symbolism. Wouldn’t you agree that it would help to understand the story if you knew what a scarlet ibis was? The following site has a picture of the scarlet ibis.
- What’s so special about the scarlet ibis? This site will answer your questions.
- Record your answers to the following questions on your worksheet:
1)What is a scarlet ibis? Describe in detail.
2)Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
3)How is environment important to the bird’s survival?
Before you begin reading the short story, let’s see if you really understand symbolism!
Let’s see if you can unlock the “mystery” and find the “meaning” in the following poem.
- Read the poem carefully.
- Underline or highlight specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
- Identify the symbol.
- Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
- Submit your analysis to your teacher.
“First Lesson” by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man’s – float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this
tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold
you.
Answer the following questions:
- The father is giving his daughter advice about floating. This first swim lesson dealing with floating also has a symbolic meaning. Not only is the father giving his daughter advice about floating, but he is also giving his daughter advice about______.
- Provide a brief explanation for your choice.
Conclusion:
Through this activity, you have discovered the richness of language and have identified literary devices, particularly the symbol, that aid in developing understanding of the story. You also gained significant information about the scarlet ibis and its environment. Understanding symbolism and the background of the bird will enable you to develop your own analysis of the story. You are now ready to dive into the story, “The Scarlet Ibis.”