Mr. Giacche Name______

Mrs. Howell

English

Creative Writing Quiz

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger developed an interesting relationship in “Thank You M’am”. Langston Hughes provided great imagery to bring life to the characters and used symbols to help develop the traits and qualities of the characters. As a reader, you not only feel compassion for Roger, but also for Mrs. Jones as well. As we discussed, the ending of the story is not very satisfying. Today, you have the power to change the ending. The goal is, through your writing, to tell the reader what Roger learned from his experience with Mrs. Jones and to reflect that lesson through what he does with his $10.00. Or, you can think about why Mrs. Jones is so understanding and caring.

You are to write creatively on one of the following two ideas:

1)  What is in Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’s purse that is so heavy? Remember, don’t only think about physical matter but think about symbolism.

2)  What does Roger do with the ten dollars?

* Choose one of the above questions to consider as you rewrite the ending to this story. If you choose question number 1, fill in the organizer for #1. If you choose questions number 2, choose that organizer to complete.
* Determine a theme for the story.
* Choose a character to develop further (using more details) or create a new character.
* Along with theme and characterization, choose 4 more literary devices to use in your writing. (6 all together)

Before you start writing, make sure you have a clear understanding of the theme of the story. Furthermore, brainstorm on possible plot development and additional characters.

Although length of completed assignment does not necessarily play a role in your grade, I will take into consideration that you should turn in a high quality story based on having 40 minutes to complete the assignment. As mentioned, you can take this story wherever it leads you, but try not to butcher Langston Hughes’s brilliant short story.

Also, you are to remain quiet throughout this assignment. As always, if you have any questions raise your hand. There is no need to talk. At the end of the period stories may be shared if time permits.

…..She led him down the hall to the front door and opened it. “Good night! Behave yourself, boy!” she said, looking out into the street…..

(What comes next is up to you!) J

Question #1

Theme

Choose a theme for this story? What is the author trying to tell us about life?

______

Brainstorm ideas before you write:

What could be in her purse? (ex: pictures of people that have shaped her life, an object that once taught her a life lesson, etc)

1.  ______

2.  ______

3.  ______

What could these objects symbolize to Mrs. Jones?

Object: ______Symbol for: ______

______

Object: ______Symbol for: ______

______

Characterization

Choose a character from the story to develop more fully (who will you tell us more about?) ______

* What are some traits of that character? ______

* How do you know? ______

Or

Create a new character: ______- What is that person’s relationship to Roger or Mrs. Jones?

(friend, stranger, family member, etc)

* What will be some traits of that character? ______

* How do you know? ______

How will this character help to develop your theme? ______

______

Literary Elements

Choose 4 literary elements from this list to use in your writing: (in addition to theme and characterization)

Conflict Symbolism Allusion Tone

Imagery Resolution Dialogue Mood

Foreshadowing Antagonist Setting Flashback

Irony Plot Development

Question #2

Theme

Choose a theme for this story? What is the author trying to tell us about life?

______

Brainstorm ideas before you write:

What could Roger do with his ten dollars – list possibilities….

* ______

* ______

* ______

* ______

* ______

Read over your ideas: Which one do you like the most? (Which one can you write more about?)

* Draw an arrow to the idea you will write about.

Characterization

Choose a character from the story to develop more fully (who will you tell us more about?) ______

* What are some traits of that character? ______

* How do you know? ______

Or

Create a new character: ______- What is that person’s relationship to Roger or Mrs. Jones?

(friend, stranger, family member, etc)

* What will be some traits of that character? ______

* How do you know? ______

How will this character help to develop your theme? ______

______

Literary Elements

Choose 4 literary elements from this list to use in your writing: (in addition to theme and characterization)

Conflict Symbolism Allusion Tone

Imagery Resolution Dialogue Mood

Foreshadowing Antagonist Setting Flashback

Irony Plot Development

Name: ______Score:______

Creative Writing Grading Rubric

20 points / 15 points / 10 points / 5 points / 0 points
Literary Elements / * All 6 elements are included and well developed, using several details / * All 6 are included. However, not enough details used to support each element. / * Less than 6 elements are used with several details. / *Less than 6 elements used with few or no details. / No elements included
Creativity & Thoughtfulness
Grammar, punctuation & spelling / There are no errors in mechanics,
usage, grammar, or spelling. / Less than 5 errors / 10 or more errors / Several errors that are interfering with the understanding of the story / Unreadable