Today’s Assignment – Pancakes by Joan Bauer pg 192 Directions: All responses must be written in complete sentences with proper punctuation. Do Now The main character in “Pancakes” is a perfectionist— she needs everything to be perfect in order to be happy. Would you describe yourself this way? Is striving for perfection ever helpful or necessary? When might it be difficult to cope with this trait? Comic Relief From a very young age, Joan Bauer (the author) knew she wanted to have a career making people laugh. She remembers having an early fascination with things that were funny—especially the stories told to her by her grandmother, whom she calls her greatest creative influence. Bauer often crafts characters who share the same anxieties she felt as a teenager—apprehension about her parents’ divorce, worry about her appearance—and chronicles the relief and inspiration that humor can bring to adverse situations. Describing her motivation to write, Bauer says, “I want to create stories that link life’s struggles with laughter.” As you read the short story, pay attention to how Bauer uses comedy/humor in her story. Directions: As you read the story, respond to the following questions. Lines 1-11 What does Jill find taped to her mirror? Why is she displeased about it? Lines 1-11 What does she call her mother? Lines 1-11 Who is Allen? Why is Jill irritated with him? Lines 1-11 What does she do to the mirror? Why? Analyzing Character – Jill is accused of being a perfectionist. Identify at least three (3) character traits that supports her “perfectionism”) Jill’s Actions Perfectionist Signs Evaluating Author’s Choice In lines 136-146, in the middle of describing a busy Sunday morning, Jill interrupts herself to recall how she tried to give Allen some discipline. Does this interruption weaken the story? Argue your point below. Analyzing Character Development How have Jill’s and Allen’s attitudes toward each other changed? Jill’s attitude towards Allen Allen’s attitude towards Jill Comprehension Questions ALL answers must be written in complete sentences using correct grammar and punctuation. Points will be deducted for failure to do so. 1. At the story's beginning, would you say that Jill is a perfectionist? Why or why not? 2. Why is Jill so angry at Allen? 3. Why was Jill hired at her job? 4. Who is Hugo? What about him drives Jill crazy? 5. Why are Lucy and Shirl not at the restaurant? 6. How does Jill react to the chaos at the restaurant? 7. In your opinion, which customer was the worst/most rude/ worst to deal with? Why? (Please write at least 2-3 complete sentences) 9. What is the main conflict of the story? (Provide at least 3 complete sentences, explain what text evidence supports your answer) 10. a. PLOT Is the main conflict internal or external? b. Who is the protagonist? c. Who/what is the antagonist? d. What type of narrator do we have? (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient) e. What is the setting for the story? Please turn in your assignment once completed. You may read for the remainder of the period.
