Hard moments in a story: feelings and symbols
A story often has a hard moment, when the character is tired, afraid or frustrated. A good writer shows the feeling with body words and actions: knees hurt, hands were red, the fifth try. The writer also shows effort by repeating an action many times. A symbol is an object that stands for an idea. A small object such as a ribbon, a key or a stone may stand for hope, courage or never giving up. To find a symbol, ask: Which object appears again or is described with care? What idea does it connect with? Then explain: The ribbon is a symbol of determination because … . In your reader, Chapter 4 is on pages 23 to 28. Read it and look at how the writer shows effort and feeling, but do not retell it here.
| Question | Clue in our story |
|---|---|
| Hard moment? | The twentieth try; the show is five days away |
| Body words? | knees hurt, hands red |
| Symbol? | the blue ribbon from his grandmother |
| Idea? | never giving up (determination) |
Tamer knelt on the cold concrete of the school yard. “Sit,” he said. The puppy, Biscuit, looked at a pigeon and walked away. It was the twentieth try that week. Tamer’s knees ached, his hands were red from the lead, and the show was only five days away. In his pocket was the blue ribbon his grandmother had given him. “For the one who never gives up,” she had written on it. He took it out, wrapped it around his wrist and breathed in slowly. “Sit,” he said again, softer this time. Biscuit turned, looked at him and, very slowly, sat.
Symbol hunt. Think of an object that is special to your family, such as a watch, a book or a scarf. Write what idea it stands for (patience, love, courage) and two details that show it. Write two sentences in which a character looks at the object in a hard moment. Do not retell any book.