Page 3 Plot Devices


Read one of the following stories.


Read "Carrying the Running-Aways", SightLines 8, page 157.

Before the American Civil War ended in l865, many African Americans were still living in slavery in the southern states. This account based on Arnold Gragston's true narrative tells of how slaves were rowed from Kentucky across the Ohio River to freedom in Ohio. This story is written in the dialect of an African American at that time. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment made slavery illegal in the United States.
Read "The Fillmore Elderberries" by L. M. Montgomery. Click here to access.

Elderberries are rapid growing shrubs that can grow between five to twelve feet but can grow to twenty feet (one meter to six meters). They can reach six to twelve feet (two to three meters) across.
Read "The Aged Mother" by Matsuo Basho. Click here to access.

Matsuo Basho was the most famous haiku poet of the Edo period in Japan. He was preparing to become a samurai warrior, but when his master died, he became a travelling poet.

Flashback: the technique of shifting from the present to a memory of a past event

Foreshadowing: a device that hints what will happen in the story; used to increase suspense


Show What You Know

In your downloaded assignment file for Lesson 2, complete Sections 1 & 2.  Be sure to save your work.



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