Ashputtle
What plot archetype does this story follow?
Rags to Riches
What is the tone of this passage?
"Spend all you have for loveliness, Buy it and never count the cost; For one white singing hour of peace Count many a year of strife well lost,"
Reflective/ wistful
What is the overall tone of the speech?
Inspirational
Naive and pitiful
What figurative language is in this excerpt?
"Life has loveliness to sell, Music like the curve of gold,"
Personifacation
What is the meaning of the word "Plague" in the excerpt
"the problems that plague our nation and our society."
cause continual trouble or distress
How does this excerpt contribute to the plot?
“And you, Ashputtle. What would you like?” “Father,” she said, “break off the first branch that brushes against your hat on your way home, and bring it to me.” So he bought beautiful dresses, diamonds and pearls for his two stepdaughters, and on the way home, as he was riding through a copse, a hazel branch brushed against him and knocked off his hat. So he broke off the branch and took it home with him. When he got home, he gave the stepdaughters what they had asked for, and gave Ashputtle the branch."
The branch that the father gives her then turns into the tree that fulfills her dreams.
What does the word strife mean in this context?
"Count many a year of strife well lost,"
angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict.
What is the theme of the speech?
People should find purpose beyond themselves, and causes like literacy are vital for societal improvement.
How does the setting of Ashputtle influence the plot
The setting of her home in the kitchen shows how she is discriminated against by her family, which later contrasts with the setting of nature and the palace, showing her transformation.
How is life characterized in the poem?
what is the use of the diction of "fun" in this excerpt?
"I am really thrilled to be here today…these are exciting times. They're excited in Washington, and I have really looked forward to coming to Wellesley. I thought it was going to be fun. I never dreamt it would be this much fun. So, thank you for that."
The use of the word fun was to relate to the college students and bridge a gap between the two.
What is the theme of the story Ashputtle?
Those who remain good, even under oppression, will be rewarded.
What is the theme/ message of the poem?
"Finding wonder in everyday things often overlooked."
What is the purpose of this paragraph to the overall speech?
"Now this little girl knew what she was, and she was not about to give up on either her identity or the game. She intended to take her place wherever mermaids fit into the scheme of things. : Where do the mermaids stand? All of those who are different, those who do not fit the boxes and the pigeonholes?"
The anecdote is used as an introduction to her overall goal of the speech to encourage students to stand out and stay strong in their beliefs.