Silent Reading, 20 min

"The Book of the Dead," Edwidge Danticat

• Review traits of Contemporary/Postmodern Literature
• Irony--three types.
• Read the story.
• Answer the following questions

1. What basic irony is at the heart of this story--how is Annie's father the opposite of the heroic figure she admired?
2. At the beginning of the story, what does the sculpture symbolize for Annie? What does the same sculpture symbolize for Gabrielle Fonteneau?
3. Explain the dramatic irony that builds during the luncheon at the Fonteneaus' house. In other words, what do we know the the Fonteneaus do not?
4. On a non-literal level, what does the title of the story mean? How would you state the story's theme--what truth about life does it reveal?
5. What features of Contemporary Literature are shown in this story?

Montana 1948

• Begin character review activity:

1. In a small group, write your character name at the top of a poster.
2. Find as many descriptions of your character as you can in the book (Ms. Johnson will give you one page to start).
3. What are this character's relationships to other characters in the book?

• QUIZ One on Wednesday, May 19.