Ashputtle
What story archetype describes Ashputtle?
Rags to Riches
What does stanza one reveal about the speaker's character?
The speaker is someone who notices and values beauty in both nature and humanity. By listing things like "Blue waves" and "children's faces," the speaker shows they are observant, appreciative, and find joy in both grand natural scenes and small human moments.
What does "tolerance" mean in the context of the speech?
"Tolerance" means accepting and respecting people who are different from you. In the speech, it refers to embracing diversity and allowing people to be themselves, like the mermaid girl who didn't fit the usual categories.
How does the author use SPEECH to characterize the stepsisters?
The stepsisters' cruel speech shows their mean nature. They say things like "Why should this silly goose sit in the parlor with us?" and "Look at the haughty princess in her finery!" Their mocking words reveal their cruelty.
What is the central theme of "Barter"?
The central theme is that life's beautiful experiences are worth any sacrifice or cost. We should trade everything we have—possessions, time, even our identity—to experience moments of beauty, love, and joy.
What is the main theme of Barbara Bush's speech?
The main theme is that human relationships and family are more important than career success or achievements. Bush emphasizes that connections with spouses, children, friends, and parents matter more than professional accomplishments.
What do Ashputtle's ACTIONS reveal about her character?
Ashputtle's actions show she is obedient, faithful, and persistent. She visits her mother's grave daily, completes impossible tasks (picking lentils), and continues being good despite mistreatment.
How is "Life" characterized in stanza one?
Life is characterized as a merchant or seller. The phrase "Life has loveliness to sell" personifies Life as someone running a store or market, offering beautiful things for trade. Life is presented as generous, providing "all beautiful and splendid things."
What is the overall tone of the speech?
The overall tone is warm, conversational, and encouraging. Bush speaks like a friendly mentor or grandmother giving advice, using humor and personal stories rather than being formal or preachy.
What is the tone at the beginning of the story when Ashputtle's mother dies?
he tone is solemn and sad. The mother's deathbed scene with words like "feeling that her end was near" and "closed her eyes and died" creates a serious, sorrowful tone.
How do the lines "for a breath of ecstasy / Give all you have been, or could be" express the poem's theme?
These lines express that even brief moments of intense joy justify complete self-sacrifice. A "breath" is very short, but the speaker believes that one moment of ecstasy is worth giving up your entire past ("all you have been") and future ("could be").
How does the opening paragraph contribute to the speech's overall message?
The opening establishes Bush as humble and good-humored, which makes the audience receptive to her message. By being self-deprecating and friendly, she builds trust so graduates will listen when she shares more serious advice later.
What mood is created when the stepsisters mistreat Ashputtle in the kitchen?
The mood is oppressive and dark. Descriptions of Ashputtle doing endless work, sleeping in ashes, and being jeered at create a feeling of hopelessness and cruelty.
What does "barter" mean and why is it significant as the title?
"Barter" means to exchange goods or services without using money; to trade. It's significant because the entire poem is about trading or exchanging what we have (time, comfort, identity) for life's beautiful experiences. It sets up the commercial/transaction metaphor.
What does the "mermaid" story paragraph contribute to the speech's message?
This paragraph introduces the idea of embracing individuality and difference, which supports Bush's later message about making personal choices. It shows that people should define themselves rather than conform to others' expectations.