Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Greek Myths 4 Mini Lessons! Fables Trickster Folktales
Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies, and product launches: Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies, and product launches: Click here. Look for the green star near the top of any page within my store, and click it to become a follower. You will now receive customized email updates about my store!
Thank you for purchasing... Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures I created this product to help me teach RL.4.9 - Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures. This product could also be used to teach RL.3.9 & RL.5.9. There is a total of 4 mini lessons. In these lessons students will: 1) Be introduced to (or review) topic, pattern of events (plot), and theme. 2) Compare & Contrast 2 Greek Myths 3) Compare & Contrast 2 Fables 4) Compare & Contrast 2 Trickster Folktales Each lesson allows students to find similarities and differences between the topic, pattern of events, and theme. I hope you enjoy using these lessons in your classroom as you teach your students how to compare themes & topics across cultures! Please let me know if I can modify this product in any way. Please leave TPT feedback! It s as good as money! Follow me for updates, sales and frequent freebies! Thanks so much!
Ways to use these lessons: Introduction: Use the first 2 pages of this mini-unit to introduce topic, pattern of events, and theme. Allow students time to re-familiarize themselves with these literature skills. Note: These lessons can be done whole-group, literature circles, or with a partner. Suggestion: Do the first two lessons together, in literature circles, or with a partner. Check for understanding. Use the last lesson as a summative grade. Each lesson follows the same format. _Students read 2 traditional literature stories - Myths, Fables, or Folktales. -Students use a Venn-diagram to compare and contrast themes and topics found in the two stories. -Students answer 5 questions related to topic, pattern of events, and theme. -Students compare the two stories using setting, character traits, and conclusion while citing text evidence. Lesson #1: Myths Students read: Thor s Might Hammer (a Greek mythical adaption) Perseus & Medusa (a Greek mythical adaption) Lesson #2: Fables Students read: A Fox & His Skin (a Chinese fable adaptation) The Wolf & the Goat (a Greek fable adaptation) Lesson #3: Folktales Students read: Anansi the Spider (an African folktale adaptation) Coyote & the Hen (a Native American folktale adaptation) Note about answer keys: Answer keys are included for ALL PAGES. Please remember that sometimes the answers for topic/ theme are not always black and white. Possible answers have been given, but you or your students may come with different answers, and possibly even BETTER answers than mine! :)
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Name Date Comparing and contrasting two different stories can help you better understand common topics, patterns of events, and themes in stories from different cultures. What is the topic? The topic is the subject of a story. It is the main idea of a story or what it s mostly about. What is the pattern of events? The pattern of events is what happens in the story. It is often referred to as the plot, a sequence of events or actions that make up the story. The main character usually goes on a journey to achieve a goal or solve a problem. What is the theme? The theme of a story is its central idea or THE MEssage about people, life, and the world we live in that the author wants the reader to understand. Sometimes the theme is expressed as a moral, or lesson, such as appreciate what you have, or look before you leap. Below, describe one way you could find the topic, pattern of events, and theme of a story. TOPIC Pattern of Events Theme
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures With your class, or a partner, brainstorm the different kinds of themes found in literature. Themes
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Name Key Date Comparing and contrasting two different stories can help you better understand common topics, patterns of events, and themes in stories from different cultures. What is the topic? The topic is the subject of a story. It is the main idea of a story or what it s mostly about. What is the pattern of events? The pattern of events is what happens in the story. It is often referred to as the plot, a sequence of events or actions that make up the story. The main character usually goes on a journey to achieve a goal or solve a problem. What is the theme? The theme of a story is its central idea or THE MEssage about people, life, and the world we live in that the author wants the reader to understand. Sometimes the theme is expressed as a moral, or lesson, such as appreciate what you have, or look before you leap. Below, describe one way you could find the topic, pattern of events, and theme of a story. Possible answers: TOPIC Pattern of Events Theme I could look for the main idea of the story. I would ask myself, What is this story mostly about? I could list the sequence of events in the story. I could draw a graphic organizer for plot and look for rising & falling action. I could look for THE MEssage the author wants the reader to understand. I could ask myself, Does this story have a moral?
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures With your class, or a partner, brainstorm the different Key kinds of themes found in literature. Possible answers: Help those in need. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Accept others differences. Be happy with what you have. Themes Make good choices. Friendship can come in forms you don t expect. Laziness can have negative consequences. Don t be afraid to try new things.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Myths Name Date _ Thor s Mighty Hammer (a mythical adaptation) One morning mighty Thor woke to find that his hammer was missing. He woke all of the other gods and goddesses asking if they had seen his hammer, but none of them had. Thor became quite upset, because his hammer was the most powerful weapon that the gods possessed. If their enemies heard that the hammer was missing they might attack. Thor and the other gods were powerless without it. Loki, the trickster god, had an idea about who had stolen Thor s hammer, so he turned himself into a falcon and flew off to find Thrym, the king of the giants. When Loki found Thrym, the giant confessed that it was indeed him that had stolen the hammer while Thor slept. Thrym also said that he had hidden it in a place where no one could find it, and he would not return his hammer until Freya, the most beautiful of all the goddesses, was made his bride. Loki flew off to tell Thor the bad news. They debated and argued, but they came to the conclusion that Freya must become Thrym's wife so that the hammer could be return. Freya was very upset and did not want to marry Thrym. The god, Heimdall, came up with an idea of dressing mighty Thor up in Freya's clothing and sending him to marry Thrym. Thor did not like the idea of dressing up like a woman, but he disliked the idea of beautiful Freya becoming Thrym's bride even more, so he reluctantly agreed. Thor, dressed as a bride, was accompanied by his "handmaiden" Loki to Thrym's castle. When Thor and Loki arrived, Thrym welcomed them in, and held a feast in their honor. Thinking that "Freya" was really in love with him, he decided to make his bride wait no longer for the wedding. Fetching the hammer and holding it aloft he prepared to bless the union. Thor could take it no longer. He ripped off his bridal clothes, grabbed his hammer, struck Thrym with it, and left the land of the giants with his mighty hammer.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Myths Name Date _ Perseus & Medusa (a mythical adaptation) Perseus was the son of mighty Zeus, king of all the gods. His mother, Danae, was a beautiful princess whom a cruel king named Polydectus wished to marry. Perseus was not fond of King Polydectus and his wish to marry his mother. Knowing this, the king offered Perseus a deal. If he would bring him the head of Medusa, a hideous monster, he would leave his mother alone. Perseus agreed to this quest and took off. Medusa used to be a very beautiful girl, however, she was very vain. She had made the mistake of boasting that she was the most beautiful girl in the land and that there was not even a goddess more beautiful than her. The gods heard this, and to punish her they turned her into a gorgon, a monstrous creature with snakes in her hair. Anyone whom she laid eyes upon immediately turned to stone. The gods knew that Perseus would need help to accomplish what seemed like an impossible task, so they granted him 5 gifts - Hades helmet of invisibility, a magical sword that could cut through anything, a shiny, mirrored shield made out of the toughest metal, and a magic pouch that would stretch to hold the monster s head. The final gift was winged sandals which gave him the ability to fly. Using his winged sandals, Perseus flew to the cave where Medusa lived and bravely walked through the entrance. He remembered the gifts that had been given to him by the gods and was grateful for them. Using his shield, Perseus looked at the reflection of Medusa. Hundreds of snakes slithered and hissed from Medusa s head, revealing their fangs. Perseus knew that he could not make eye contact with her, so he took a deep breath, shut his eyes, and swung his magical sword. With one swift swoop Perseus cut off the head of Medusa. Perseus, never looking away from his mirrored shield, quickly grabbed Medusa s snake infested head and shoved it into the magical pouch. Using his winged sandals, he flew off to return the head to the king. Perseus, turning his eyes away, reached into the pouch and presented it to King Polydectus. The king gasped as he looked into the eyes of Medusa and instantly turned to stone. Perseus had succeeded in his challenge. His mother would never again have to worry about King Polydectus and his pursuit to marry her.
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two myths.
Choose the best answer from the choices given. 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of Thor s Mighty Hammer and Perseus and Medusa? a) A struggle between good and evil. b) A poor girl marries a king. c) A story about helping those in need. 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of Thor s Mighty Hammer and Perseus and Medusa? a) Acceptance b) Courage c) Compassion Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each myth. Thor s Mighty Hammer 3. 4. Perseus and Medusa Thor dresses as Freya. Thor woke to find his hammer was missing. Thor goes on a quest to get his hammer and help Freya. Thor struck Thrym with his hammer. Loki turned himself into a falcon and flew off to find the king. Thor ripped off his bridal clothes and grabbed his hammer. Perseus received 5 gifts from the gods. King Polydectus made a deal with Perseus. Perseus swung his magical sword to cut off Medusa s head. Perseus used a mirrored shield to look at Medusa. Polydectus wished to marry Perseus mother, Danae. King Polydectus turned to stone. 5. How are the themes found in myths similar and different to morals found in fables?
Good Verses Evil Story 1 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters and tell whether they are good or evil. How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion Does good prevail? How? Story 2 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters and tell whether they are good or evil. How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion Does good prevail? How?
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two myths. Thor s Mighty Hammer Perseus & Medusa Key A king wanted to marry a beautiful goddess. Thor went on a quest for his magical hammer. Heimdall came up with a clever idea to dress Thor in Freya s clothing. Loki, the trickster god, and Heimdall helped Thor get his mighty hammer back. Thrym, king of the giants, was tricked. Good vs. Evil A deal was made main character goes on a quest/journey the bride did not want to marry the king main character used his mind to overcome obstacles A king wanted to marry a beautiful princess. Perseus went on a quest for a hideous monster. Perseus came up with a clever idea of using the mirrored shield to look at Medusa. The gods helped Perseus succeed in his challenge by giving him 5 gifts. Medusa and King Polydectus was tricked. both seemed like an impossible task main character was a hero
Choose the best answer from the choices given. 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of Thor s Mighty Hammer and Perseus and Medusa? a) A struggle between good and evil. b) A poor girl marries a king. c) A story about helping those in need. Key 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of Thor s Mighty Hammer and Perseus and Medusa? a) Acceptance b) Courage c) Compassion Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each myth. Thor s Mighty Hammer 3. 4. Perseus and Medusa 3 Thor dresses as Freya. 1 Thor woke to find his hammer was 4 missing. Thor goes on a quest to get his hammer 6 and help Freya. Thor struck Thrym with his hammer. 2 Loki turned himself into a falcon and 5 flew off to find the king. Thor ripped off his bridal clothes and grabbed his hammer. 3 Perseus received 5 gifts from the gods. 2 King Polydectus made a deal with 5 Perseus. Perseus swung his magical sword to cut 4 off Medusa s head. Perseus used a mirrored shield to look at 1 Medusa. Polydectus wished to marry Perseus 6 mother, Danae. King Polydectus turned to stone. 5. How are the themes found in myths similar and different to morals found in fables? They both teach the reader a lesson. Usually the moral is stated. The theme must be inferred.
Possible answers: Good Verses Evil Story 1 Story 2 Title: Title: Key Thor s Mighty Hammer Perseus & Medusa Setting Imaginary Place, home of the gods, Ancient Greece Main Characters List the main characters and tell whether they are good or evil. How do you know? (cite text evidence) Thor (good) - went on a quest to get back what had been stolen from him Loki (good) - help Thor find his stolen hammer and trick the Thrym King Thrym (evil) - stole Thor s hammer and refused to give it back until Freya, a beautiful goddess, married him. Conclusion Does good prevail? How? Yes! Thor defeats King Thrym and gets his hammer back. Setting Imaginary Place, home of the gods, Ancient Greece Main Characters List the main characters and tell whether they are good or evil. How do you know? (cite text evidence) Perseus (good) - accomplished what seemed like an impossible task to save his mother from having to marry King Polydectus. The gods (good) - helped Perseus in his quest by giving him 5 gifts: helmet of invisibility, magical sword, mirrored shield, magic pouch, and winged sandals. King Polydectus (evil) - sent Perseus on what he tought was an impossible quest so that he would be free to marry his mother. Conclusion Does good prevail? How? Yes! Perseus succeeds in his challenge.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Fables Name Date _ A Fox & His Skin (a Chinese fable adaptation) Long ago, there lived a young man named, Lisheng, who had just married a beautiful woman. His new bride dreamed of a new coat. One day, she had an idea that a coat of fox fur would look pretty on her, so she asked her husband to get her one. Unfortunately, a coat like this was rare and too expensive for the husband to purchase. He wanted his new bride to have everything she wanted, and if a new coat was her desire then he was going to make sure she had one. The helpless husband was forced to walk around on the hillside in search of the perfect fox. Before long, a fox with a stunning coat of fur came walking by. He lost no time at all to catch it by the tail. With great happiness at his success, he said to the fox, My bride wants a fox coat. Can you give me your skin so that she may have one? That isn't a big deal, is it?" The fox recognized trouble and was shocked by the request. He quickly thought about how to save himself. He calmly replied, "Well, my dear friend, that's easy. You must let my tail go so that I can pull off the skin for you." Lisheng was so delighted that he had found a fox so willing to offer his skin for his new brides coat that he freely released the fox from his grip. With that, the fox took off running as fast as he could. Lisheng chased after the fox begging for him to stop. I promise not to take your coat if you will just tell me where I can find another fox with a coat of fur as stunning as yours, Lisheng called out. A pack of wild dogs over heard the commotion and came to see what was going on. When they realized that Lisheng was trying to take the fox s skin they leaped at him. Lisheng, being chased by the wild dogs, ran as fast as he could to get away. Being grateful for the help, the fox stopped, turned around, and called to Lisheng, You should know better than to try to take something that is not yours! Laughing at his silly request and at Lisheng s look of horror on his face, the fox continued on his way, thankful to be alive.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Fables Name Date _ The Wolf & the Goat (a Greek fable adaptation) A very hungry wolf was out one day searching for something tasty to eat. He quickly caught sight of a goat grazing above him on the edge of a high cliff. The wolf smacked his lips at the thought of a fine goat for dinner, but he knew he could not possibly get to her. The wolf knew she had to come down from the cliff eventually, so he patiently waited on his prey. The clever goat had spotted the wolf, and she knew his intentions. The goat decided that it was best if she continued to graze on the high cliff where she was safe. She hoped that the wolf s hungry belly would lead him away from her and to another source of food so that she could eventually come down and go home. The longer the wolf waited, the hungrier he got. His impatience left him no choice but to reveal himself and somehow lure the goat down from the high cliff. My dear friend, said the wolf in his sweetest voice, I am afraid you will fall from that high cliff. Why don t you come down here and graze on this fine grass beside me on safe and level ground? No thank you, replied the goat. But, you are risking your life up there, madam. Please take my advice and come down here where you will find the finest and most tender grass in the country, the wolf pleaded, pretending to be very worried about the goat s safety. Risking my life? I m safer here than I would be down there, the goat calmly explained. A few dogs in the distance overheard the conversation between the wolf and the goat. They thought it was best to help the situation. Together they ran at the wolf with their threatening barks. Knowing that he couldn t possibly defend himself against all the dogs, the wolf took off running as fast as he could. The grateful goat called to the wolf as he ran into the woods behind him. You are not concerned about my safety! You only care about yourself and your own appetite! Laughing at the sight of the dogs chasing the wolf and his unsuccessful attempt at eating her, the goat trotted down the cliff and returned to her home, thankful to be alive.
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two fables.
Choose the best answer from the choices given. 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of A Fox & His Skin and The Wolf & The Goat? a) A story about growing up. b) A quest for knowledge. c) A struggle between a hunter and his prey. 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of A Fox & His Skin and The Wolf & The Goat? a) Pride b) Selfishness c) Honesty Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each fable. A Fox & His Skin 3. 4. The Wolf & the Goat In no time at all, Lisheng caught a fox by its tail. The helpless husband was forced to walk around on the hillside. The fox promised to pull of his skin if Lisheng would let his tail go. The fox laughed at Lisheng s silly request and continued on his way. Lisheng s new bride asked for a coat of fox fur. A pack of wild dogs leaped at Lisheng and chased him. The clever goat spotted the wolf, and she knew his intentions. The dogs ran at the wolf with their threatening barks. A hungry wolf caught sight of a goat grazing on a high cliff. The goat trotted down the high cliff, thankful to be alive. The wolf tried to lure the goat down from the high cliff. Some dogs in the distance overheard the wolf and goat. 5. What would be a good moral for these fables?
Selfishness Story 1 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters and give them a character trait. Which one demonstrates selfishness? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion What is the lesson of this story? Story 2 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters and give them a character trait. Which one demonstrates selfishness? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion What is the lesson of this story?
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two fables. A Fox & His Skin The Wolf & the Goat Key Lisheng s searched the hillside for a fox. Wolf was hungry and searching for food. Lisheng & Wolf only thought about Lisheng s begged for the fox s skin. themselves. Wolf begged for goat to come down from Both characters were the high cliff. Lisheng told the truth to fox about his wife on a journey to get Wolf lied to goat about the peace treaty. something they Lisheng s begged for the fox s skin. Fox and goat recognized Wolf pretended to be concerned about trouble. goats safety. Fox tricked Lisheng into letting go of his tail by promising to give him his coat. Fox and goat thought of away to save themselves. Fox and goat were clever & thankful to be alive. Lisheng and Wolf were both chased by dogs.
Choose the best answer from the choices given. Key 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of A Fox & His Skin and The Wolf & The Goat? a) A story about growing up. b) A quest for knowledge. c) A struggle between a hunter and his prey. 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of A Fox & His Skin and The Wolf & The Goat? a) Pride b) Selfishness c) Honesty Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each fable. A Fox & His Skin 3. 4. The Wolf & the Goat 3 In no time at all, Lisheng caught a fox 2 by its tail. The helpless husband was forced to walk around on the hillside. 4 1 The fox promised to pull of his skin if 6 Lisheng would let his tail go. grazing on a high cliff. The fox laughed at Lisheng s silly request 1 and continued on his way. Lisheng s new bride asked for a coat of 5 fox fur. from the high cliff. A pack of wild dogs leaped at Lisheng The clever goat spotted the wolf, and she knew his intentions. The dogs ran at the wolf with their threatening barks. A hungry wolf caught sight of a goat The goat trotted down the high cliff, thankful to be alive. The wolf tried to lure the goat down Some dogs in the distance overheard and chased him. the wolf and goat. 2 5 6 3 4 5. What would be a good moral for these fables? Possible answer: Selfishness can have negative consequences.
Possible answers: Selfishness Story 1 Story 2 Title: Title: Key A Fox & His Skin The Wolf & the Goat Setting on a hillside in the country Main Characters List the main characters and give them a character trait. Which one demonstrates selfishness? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Lisheng (selfish) - He wanted the fox to give him his skin so his wife could have a fox fur coat. Fox (clever) - he didn t want to give his coat of fur to Lisheng. He was clever to ask Lisheng to let go of his tail so that he could take off his skin. This came him the chance to run. Conclusion What is the lesson of this story? Don t try to take things that are not yours. Setting near a high cliff in the country Main Characters List the main characters and give them a character trait. Which one demonstrates selfishness? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Wolf (selfish) - He wanted goat to come down from the high cliff so he could eat him. He told the goat a lie about the peace treaty to lure her down. Goat (smart) - He knew the wolf s intentions and decided to stay on the high cliff. He was lucky that the dogs came to save him. Conclusion What is the lesson of this story? Those that play tricks are often the ones to get tricked.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Folktales Name Date _ Anansi the Spider (an African folktale adaptation) Anansi, the famous trickster, was just about to sit down to enjoy a meal when Turtle crawled past his house. Turtle had been traveling all day long, and he was terribly hungry. When he smelled Anansi's cooking, his mouth began to water, and he imagined himself eating those sweet, buttery yams. Oh, how he would enjoy the taste! Turtle knocked on Anansi's door hoping to join him for the meal. When Anansi heard the knock, he began to grumble. "Oh no, oh no " and he peeked out the window to see who was bothering him. Anansi did not wish to share his meal with anyone, but he knew he must answer the door. So he opened it slowly to find Turtle looking tired and hungry. What a nice dinner! Turtle said to Anansi. Do you mind if I join you? Anansi grumbled, Come in. I suppose I must share my dinner with you, but first you must wash your filthy hands. Turtle blushed with shame. His hands were dirty, that was true. "Of course, Anansi," Turtle said. He scampered outside and moved as fast as he could down the hill to the creek. He quickly washed his hands, and then trudged back to Anansi's. Your hands are still dirty! Anansi announced. Well, sure enough Turtle's hands were dirty again because he had crawled up the trail that led to Anansi's house. So again he blushed. "Sorry, Anansi," and waddled down to the creek once more to wash his hands. When he finally returned, he found that Anansi had eaten all the food. Angered and disappointed, Turtle said to Anansi, Tomorrow you must come to my house to share dinner. The next day, a hungry Anansi met Turtle at the river. Turtle dove into the water to his home on the river bottom. Anansi jumped into the water and tried to swim down, but he was too light. So, Anansi put stones in his pockets to make himself heavier and sank down to Turtle s home. Turtle had started to eat. Turtle looked at Anansi and said, I hate to be rude, but it s not polite to eat with your coat on. You must take it off. Of course, Turtle, Anansi said. He quickly removed his coat, but without the stones, he was light again. Anansi slowly floated up to the surface. Angry and disappointed, he watched tricky Turtle finish his meal.
Comparing Themes & Topics Across Cultures Folktales Name Date _ Coyote & the Hen (a Native American folktale adaptation) A very smart hen was once perched in the branches of a tree when a sneaky coyote came up to her. Coyote was very hungry. He thought that hen would make a tasty meal, but how could he reach her? She was much too high in the tree. Coyote thought and thought. Then he had an idea. Oh, hen, he sighed. I am so happy! I have some good news for you. Do you want to hear it?" asked the coyote. Hen was interested, but she did not trust coyote. "Do you really have some good news?" the hen asked. The coyote answered, "It's about the two of us. A peace treaty has been signed! All the animals have signed it. It says that we are all friends now. You can come down from the tree, and we'll hug each other as a sign of good will." The hen kept asking if it was true what the coyote was saying. "Where was the peace treaty approved, brother coyote?" The coyote answered. "Over there by the hunting grounds on the other side of the mountain. Hurry up and come down so that we can celebrate this moment of peace." The hen asked, "Over there on the other side of the mountain? All of the animals signed it?" "Yes, of course!" insisted the coyote. Ah, thought hen. Now she knew what coyote was up to. I would love to come down and make peace with you coyote, replied hen. But I see that someone else is coming. Really? asked coyote. Who is it? It is dog, said hen. Coyote began to shake. Dog scared him, and he knew that there really wasn t a peace treaty between all the animals. I see him coming near. He must have heard the news, too, said hen. He looks so happy! He wants to celebrate with us! Coyote grumbled, Oh, never mind, and he took off running as fast as he could. Hen, still perched in the tree above, laughed as she watched Coyote take off for the other side of the mountain.
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two folk tales.
Choose the best answer from the choices given. 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of Anansi the Spider and Coyote & Hen? a) The importance of forgiveness. b) A story about a trickster getting tricked. c) A quest for love and acceptance. 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of Anansi the Spider and Coyote & Hen? a) Strength & Courage b) Truth & Happiness c) Dishonesty & Greed Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each fable. Anansi the Spider 3. 4. Coyote & Hen Anansi agreed to share his dinner if Turtle would wash his hands. Turtle knocked on Anansi's door hoping to join him for a tasty meal. Turtle invited Anansi to his house for dinner. Anansi was too light to stay under water without his coat full of stones. When he finally returned, he found that Anansi had eaten all the food. Angry and disappointed, Anansi watched tricky Turtle finish his meal. Coyote begged hen to come down from the high tree for a hug. Coyote explained to hen that a peace treaty had been signed. Coyote took off running as fast as he could. Hen told the coyote that dog was coming to celebrate with them. A smart hen was perched in the branches of a tree when a sneaky coyote came up to her. Coyote grumbled, Oh, never mind. 5. How is folktale like a fable?
Dishonesty & Greed Story 1 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters, and tell if they are good or bad. Which one demonstrates greed? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion Who got tricked? How? Story 2 Title: Setting Main Characters List the main characters, and tell if they are good or bad. Which one demonstrates dishonesty? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Conclusion Who got tricked? How?
Use the Venn- Diagram to compare & contrast the two folk tales. Anansi the Spider Coyote & the Hen Key Turtle wanted to eat Anansi s meal. Turtle and hen Coyote wanted to eat hen. were both Turtle begged to join Anansi for the meal. clever. Coyote begged for hen to come down Anansi did not want to share his meal with turtle. Anansi played a trick on turtle, and turtle played a trick on Anansi. Anansi kept insisting that turtle s hands were too dirty to eat so that she could eat all the food. Turtle and coyote were both hungry. Characters were tricked in both stories. Anansi and coyote got what they deserved. Anansi and coyote were angry and disappointed. from the tree so he could eat her. Hen did not want to come down out of the tree because she knew the wolf s intentions. Hen played a trick on coyote. Coyote lied to hen about a peace treaty that was signed by all the animals in hopes that she would come down out of the tree.
Choose the best answer from the choices given. 1. Which of the following statements would best describe the topic of Anansi the Spider and Coyote & Hen? a) The importance of forgiveness. b) A story about a trickster getting tricked. c) A quest for love and acceptance. Key 2. Which of the following words below could best be used to describe the theme of Anansi the Spider and Coyote & Hen? a) Strength & Courage b) Truth & Happiness c) Dishonesty & Greed Number the pattern of events in the order in which they occur in each fable. Anansi the Spider 3. 4. Coyote & Hen 2 Anansi agreed to share his dinner if 1 Turtle would wash his hands. Turtle knocked on Anansi's door hoping 4 to join him for a tasty meal. Turtle invited Anansi to his house for 5 dinner. Anansi was too light to stay under water 3 without his coat full of stones. When he finally returned, he found that 6 Anansi had eaten all the food. Angry and disappointed, Anansi watched tricky Turtle finish his meal. 3 Coyote begged hen to come down 2 from the high tree for a hug. Coyote explained to hen that a peace 6 treaty had been signed. Coyote took off running as fast as he 4 could. Hen told the coyote that dog was 1 coming to celebrate with them. A smart hen was perched in the 5 branches of a tree when a sneaky coyote came up to her. Coyote grumbled, Oh, never mind. 5. How is folktale like a fable? Both have been pass down orally for generations, involve animals as characters, and the theme is often expressed as a moral or lesson.
Possible answers: Dishonesty & Greed Story 1 Story 2 Title: Title: Key Anansi the Spider Coyote & the Hen Setting Anansi s home/turtle s home Main Characters List the main characters, and tell if they are good or bad. Which one demonstrates greed? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Anansi (bad/greedy) - He didn t want to share his meal with turtle, so he tricked him into washing his hands so that he could eat all the food. Turtle (good/clever) - He was tired and hungry. He begged Anansi to share his meal with him. In the end, he gave Anansi a taste of her own medicine. Conclusion Who got tricked? How? Both! Anansi tricked turtle so that she could eat all the food, and turtle tricked Anansi to give her a taste of her own medicine. Setting Near a tree, in the country Main Characters List the main characters, and tell if they are good or bad. Which one demonstrates dishonesty? How do you know? (cite text evidence) Coyote (bad/dishonest) - He lied to hen by telling her that a peace treaty had been signed by all the animals. He tried to lure her down from the tree so that he could eat her. Hen (good/smart) - She knew what coyote was up to, so she tricked him by telling him that dog was coming to celebrate the peace treaty. This caused coyote to run away, and she saved herself from getting eaten. Conclusion Who got tricked? How? Coyote - Hen tricked coyote by telling him that dog was coming.