Across the Barricades
Reading Comprehension Activity Pack:
Name:
Class:
Story Theme activity:
The two types of themes that can be found in a story are major and minor.
A major theme is an idea that an author repeats in the story, making it the
main theme of the story. A minor theme is an idea that shows up in a story
briefly, giving way to another minor theme.
Do not confuse a theme of a story with its subject. The subject is a topic that
acts as a foundation for a story, while a theme is an opinion expressed on
the subject. For example, a writer may choose a subject of conflict for their
story and the theme may be their personal opinion that conflict is a natural
part of the human race.
Writers present themes in a story in several ways. A writer may
express a theme through the feelings of their main character about the
subject they have chosen to write about. Themes can also be presented
through the thoughts and conversations of different characters. Most
Importantly, the experiences of the main character throughout a story give
us an idea about its theme. Finally, the actions and events taking place in a
narrative are important in determining its theme.
Examples of Themes:
Conflict
Forbidden
Love / True love
Loyalty
Overcome Difficulties
Friendship
Survival
Good and bad
I.
INSTRUCTIONS: Identify the MAJOR THEME and TWO MINOR THEMES
from the Story. Describe what happened in the story that illustrates
that
THEME.
MAJOR THEME#:
Where is this illustrated?
MINOR THEME #1:
Where is this illustrated?
MINOR THEME #2:
Where is this illustrated?
II.
INSTRUCTIONS: Considering what you know about the characters Sadie and
Kevin and how you feel about them and comment on how themes in the
novel are developed through the characters (i.e. through their actions,
decisions, opinions, etc.)
III.
INSTRUCTIONS: Understanding Setting and Context: "Across the Barricades" is
set in the 1970s, which means the setting of the story was central to the
following dates and years. Find out why (research) the following dates are
important to the Irish conflict, explaining briefly in your own words why and
how they relate to the book.
1971
January 30th, 1972
October and November 1974
IV.
INSTRUCTIONS: Explain at least 3 literary devices present in the story by
describing the event in which they are shown. Also, explain how the
author’s narrative voice is present throughout the story development.
Figurative language can transform ordinary descriptions into evocative
events, enhance the emotional significance of passages, and turn prose into a
form of poetry.
The narrative voice, or as it is more commonly known, the point of view
(POV), is an essential element in storytelling, as it determines the character
with whom the audience will sympathize. It also informs them of the
narrator's perspective and is essential in shaping their understanding of the
story's events.
V.
INSTRUCTIONS - LETTER TO A MAGAZINE: Write a letter to a magazine giving
at least 3 reasons why students should read ACROSS THE BARRICADES. Add
information regarding the plot and the main conflict of the story.