1. English 8
November 7, 2011

2. Do Now
Please have on your desk:
Cornell Notes
Highlighter
The Pearl
If you were absent on Friday, we will have to get you
caught up during advisory.
Those people who submitted their essays via email
should check their email tonight for their edits.
Please save the draft of your essay with my
comments. You may need this draft later.

3. EUQ: What are the key literary
terms I need to know?
Cornell Notes:
Left Side: What is a theme?
Right Side: A theme is a universal idea explored in a literary work
Left Side: What is a motif?
A motif is a recurring contrast or structure within a literary work. Motifs
develop and inform the reader throughout the literary work.
Left Side: What is a symbol?
Right Side: A symbol is a physical object, figure or color used to express an
abstract idea.

4. John Steinbeck’s The Pearl
1902-1968

5. Steinbeck’s Interests
1. Steinbeck saw both the horror and beauty in
individuals, cultures and societies.
2. Steinbeck focused on what we do to one another– for
good or for evil, in everyday life and when we are put to
“the test.”

6. Tidbits about The Pearl
1. The first movies with soundtracks were popular in the
1920s. Steinbeck envisioned The Pearl as a movie. As you
read the novella, think about how you would shoot a
video depicting the story. You will have the opportunity to
do this, if you like.
2. Music plays an important role in the novella. If you think
you might like to work on a book project involving
music, please keep track of where and when music is
mentioned or featured in the story.
3. The Pearl takes place in La Paz, Mexico.

7. EUQ: What is a novella?
What is a parable?
Cornell Notes:
Left Side: What is a novella?
Right Side: A novella is a short novel.
Left Side: What is a parable?
Right Side: A parable illustrates a lesson. It teaches a truth.
Parables often use allegory, which utilizes a concrete object
to express an abstract or spiritual meaning.

8. EUQ: What is the tradition of oral
storytelling?
Cornell Notes:
Left Side: What is the tradition of oral storytelling?
Right Side: Oral storytelling is an ancient tradition that is personal and
intimate. Typically, the storyteller and listeners sit very close to one
another.
The storyteller reveals himself/herself in telling the story and the
listeners reveal themselves through their reception and
response to the story.
Often the story conveys a lesson or a moral.

9. Is The Pearl a parable? You
Decide.
Cornell Notes:
Left Side: What is a parable?
Right Side: A parable is a succinct story, which illustrates one
or more instructive lessons. Parables feature humans.
Fables feature animals.
Would listeners in 1947 hear the same “lesson” that we hear
today?

10. Imagery
An author uses imagery to evoke a more powerful picture of
what he/she is trying to convey.
Imagery touches your senses.
Be on the lookout for: imagery of animals; music; light and
dark (good and evil)

11. Listening to The Pearl
 Because the tale is meant to be told and heard, orally, we are
going to listen to it.
 The tale has a simple plot on the surface. However, underneath
the simple plot lies complex symbolism and hidden messages to
be discovered by you. Therefore, we will also read the novella.
 Listen to master the plot and characters.
 Read to discover secrets in imagery.
 Read and reveal all kinds of clues.

13. EUQ: What is an infinitive phrase?
1. Take out ChompChomp Infinitive Phrase Sheet
2. Take out highlighter: highlight key information.
3. Cornell Notes:
Left Side: What is an infinitive phrase?
Right Side: An infinitive phrase functions as a noun, adjective
or adverb. It starts with “to” + the verb.
1. Complete GUM part 1, tonight.