THE BRONZE BOW
Background
information/Pre-read
IN YOUR LANGUAGE ARTS NOTEBOOK WRITE A SHORT PARAGRAPH
ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING:
Based on the title of this book,
The Bronze Bow, explain in a
short paragraph (3 – 5
sentences) about what you think
the book will be; mention the
setting, characters, plot, etc.
(who, what, where, when, why
and how).
CONTINUE WRITING IN YOUR
NOTEBOOK….
Based on the cover, how has your opinion about the book changed?
Who is the book’s author? Have you ever heard of the author? If so, have you
ever read any of her other books? If yes, which ones? Explain why you liked or
disliked any of her other books.
Which award has this book earned? Do you know anything about that award?
If so, what do you know? If you have never heard of this award, find out by
asking a librarian or researching on the Internet and explain for what reason it is
given.
Read the inside cover of the book. Based on the title, cover, author, award and
inside-cover summary, what are your thoughts about reading this book?
THE AUTHOR
1908 - November 15, 1994
Elizabeth George Speare won some of the most prestigious awards in
young adult literature for her novels of historical fiction, including two
coveted Newbery Awards. She was known for creating believable
characters who rely on their inner strength to cope with the challenges
they face. Speare's favorite time period to write about was preRevolutionary America, although one of her most acclaimed books was
set during Jesus's lifetime in Galilee. She has been especially praised
for her ability to merge historical fact with the fiction of her storylines-a skill which came from hours of meticulous research.
THE NEWBERY MEDAL
Awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most
distinguished American children's book published the previous year
The first children's book award in the world.
Best known and most discussed children's book award in this country
Purpose: "To encourage original creative work in the field of books for
children…”
Since 1922
BACKGROUND
Takes place in Galilee, Israel during the time of Jesus (2,000 years ago)
Romans occupied Israel
http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/gehall/XTOLOGY2.htm
REFERENCES
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia
/newberymedal/aboutnewbery/aboutnewbery.cfm
http://www.edupaperback.org/showauth.cfm?authid=85
Ruins of Amelek's Forge
Jeus Christ, Our Savior
THE BRONZE BOW
Chapters 1-6
OLEANDER
DANIEL BAR JAMIN
Son of….
SCRIBE
One of the groups of Palestinian scholars and teachers of Jewish law
and tradition who transcribed, edited, and interpreted the Bible
RABBI
Jewish scholar/teacher
Chief religious official of synagogue
Synagogue: Jewish place
of worship and prayer
LEGION
A division of the Roman army
Usually 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers
ZEALOT
a member of a radical, warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in
Judea, particularly prominent from A.D. 69 to 81, advocating the
violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of
the Romans and their supporters to heathenize the Jews
Heathen: an unconverted individual of a people that do not
acknowledge the God of the Bible; a person who is neither a Jew,
Christian, nor Muslim; pagan.
CHAPTER ONE
1.) What is happening at the beginning of chapter 1? Who is
doing what and where?
2.)On page 3, the narrator explains that Daniel might be risking his
freedom for nothing possibly. To what is/might be the narrator
referring?
CHAPTER ONE
3.) What do we learn about Daniel’s mother’s character from the last
paragraph on page six?
4.)Of what ethnic group are the three characters or to what religion
to they belong?
CHAPTER ONE
5.) How long has Daniel been living in the hills?
6.) Who takes care of Daniel and what is he like in Daniel’s eyes?
What do the town’s people think of this person?
7.) According to a description of Rosh in the 7th paragraph on page 13,
what fictional character could Rosh be compared to of whom you have
heard?
VOCABULARY
•Terraces
•Burgeoning
• thickets
• oleander
• cranny
• scowled
• foolhardy
• poised
•Tetrarch
•Scribe
• rabbi,
•Baffled
•Calloused
•Tunic
•Wary
• girdle
• solemnly
• hostility
• forge
• savage
• contempt
• deliverance
• conquerors
• scarcely
•Heathen
•Bearings
• sober
• lingered
• deliberately
•Lured
•resentment
CHAPTER TWO
Fracas: a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; uproar
(page 20)
CHAPTER TWO
1.) What does Daniel like about Joel when Ebol tells Daniel to get rid
of the siblings?
2.) After Rosh approves so much of Joel, Daniel is jealous. What does
Daniel do to prove to Joel that he is just as good, if not better (more
brave) than Joel?
CHAPTER TWO
3.) At the end of the 7th paragraph on page 23, it says that the look
between Joel and Daniel was “a farewell and a beginning.” What does
that mean?
4.) What job did Rosh assign Daniel the night the slave was captured
CHAPTER TWO
5.) What does the slave do to Daniel once the shackles were removed
and why?
CHAPTER THREE
Slave Bond: (page 33)
Fill out Character Traits chart in study guide for this character:
Jeus Christ, Our Savior
Ruins of Amelek's Forge
CHAPTER 3
Find the commandments in Leviticus 19 that the author is referring to in
paragraph 4-5 of page 40. Write down the reference.
What does the last sentence of paragraph 2 on page 41 mean?
Look up the word “irony” or “ironic” in the dictionary. What is ironic
about the last sentence of chapter 3?
CHAPTER 4
Beginning with Isaiah 61, read until you find the passage read in the
synagogue (on pg. 47). Write down the chapter and verses that were
read.
On page 50, one man responds to Daniel after he identified himself
as Daniel bar Jamin,” by saying, “Wasn’t it your father who…” For
what do you think Daniel’s father is known?
What is the “white gleaming arc that split the shadowy face? Of the
person approaching Daniel? (p.
WHO ARE THE ZEALOTS?
History: When Daniel hears Jesus, he wonders if Jesus is a Zealot. Do
some research on the Zealots. Find the following information: Who
were the Zealots? What were their goals? How did they try to
accomplish their goals?
CH. 5 QUESTIONS
The word “amethyst” is in Exodus 28:15-20 and Revelation 21:15-21.
What is “amethyst” and what two purposes is it being used for in
these chapters?
How is amethyst on page 54 different from your definition and/or the
ways it is used in Exodus and Revelation?
Daniel is clearly curious about Jesus (p. 58) and bitter/hateful towards
the Roman soldiers. Explain which is greater, his curiosity or his hatred,
and why you believe so – use an example from the story.
CHAPTER 7
A brief history…Jigsaw activity
Near the end of the chapter, Joel quotes a psalm that includes the
passage, “He trains my hands for war, so tha tmy arms may bend a
bow of bronze.”
 Find that passage in the Bible (It is located in two places!)
 Whoever finds both passages first gets candy!
 Under what circumstances was that passage written?
CHAPTER 8
Journal:
Reread the incident on p. 99.
Was Jesus saying it is OK to
ignore rules? If not, what
was His point?
CHAPTER 17
Think back to the beginning of the book. How did
Daniel feel about Rosh? Give examples from the
story to back up your statements.
How does Daniel feel about Rosh now? Give
examples from the story to back up your statements.
Why do you think he feels this way now?
CHAPTERS 20-21
Our country is not occupied by the Roman Empire as Daniel’s was. Is
Jesus’ message still
relevant for us? Or was it specifically only
for Daniel? Explain your answer.
Explain Jesus’ final statement in this chapter-- “That is not a vow of
hate. . . . You are not far from the kingdom.” What did He mean?
CONFLICT IN THE STORY…
While the story’s conflict seems to center
upon Daniel and the Romans, the most
important conflict exists entirely in Daniel’s
own mind and heart. This conflict is exposed
and developed through Daniel’s relationships
with two significant characters: Rosh & Jesus.
ROSH VS. JESUS
Both hailed as Messiahs by their followers, each man approaches the idea of the
Kingdom differently. Daniel considers the differences between the two men as he
longs for a leader worthy of his loyalty. Below is a list of adjectives that compare
and contrast the characters of Rosh and Jesus…
Rosh
Jesus
Savior? (p. 7)
Savior? (p. 165)
Good man? (p. 7)
The Messiah? (p. 11-12)
The Messiah? (p. 48)
Boss (p. 12) & Leader (p. 27)
Leader (p. 165) & Master (p. 98)
Brash/Bully (p. 21, 29)
Intense spirit (p. 46)
Strong (p. 19)
Strong faced, Strong (p. 46, 57)
Aggressive (p. 19)
Gentle (p. 47, 99)
Rosh
Jesus
Demanding (p. 94)
Demanding (p. 99)
Forbidding/Scowling/Gruff (p. 110)
Warm/Welcoming/Friendly (p. 98100)
Calculating/Manipulative/selfseeking (p. 166)
Not manipulative or self-seeking (p.
166)
Wanted (p. 21)
Wanted (p. 45)
Watchful/Unknowing (p.27, 111)
Knowing (p. 166)
Confident
Sure
Dirty
Clean, simply dressed
Small, black eyes (p. 20)
Eyes of light, warmth, welcome and
friendship (98-99)
Outlaw (p. 13, 79)
Carpenter (p. 45)
Autonomous/A Law to
himself/Lawbreaker (p. 111)
Law teacher/Keeper/Respecter (p.
48, 57)
Unafraid (p. 48, 100)
Unafraid, powerful (p. 47, 48, 100)
CUMULATIVE POWER POINT PROJECT
Name/# ___________________________________
The Bronze Bow Power Point Presentation Due date:
Your presentation must include:
•1. Bibliographic information of the novel on one slide in either the beginning or
end of your presentation (6 points)
Title
Author
Date of publication
City of Publication
Publisher
Any awards the book may have won
2. One slide showing a CORRECT division of the following characters into
major and minor characters: (12 points) Daniel, Leah, Thacia, Joel, Rosh,
Simon, Jesus, Marcus, Joktan, Nathan, Samson, Joel’s father
*Major character (“round”) = a character who changes throughout the novel and
the plot or a subplot revolves around this character
*Minor character (“static”) = a character’s whose appearance is brief and does
not affect the plot
3. One slide containing a detailed summary of the novel (10 points)
This must include setting (time AND place), mention characters and conflicts,
resolution (how did it end).
4. One slide mentioning a theme of the novel and WHY you think it is a theme (5
points)
5. One slide: Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) about how this book’s plot or
theme is similar or different compared to your life. Is there something in your life that
drives you that shouldn’t? How are you similar and different to a character in the
story? (5 points)
6. Two slides: Analyze two characters from the novel, one of which must be a major
character, and trace his or her development as a character throughout the book. (20
points) Must include specific examples from the story that support your
analysis. *You will mention the character, describe how the character was in the
beginning of the book and how the character changed throughout the novel.
Give at least TWO specific examples from the book for each character.
7. Proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling must be used. (5
points)
8. Include a slide indicating who created the presentation.  (2 points)
9. Any pictures must directly relate to your presentation. Need at least 3 pictures (5
points)
This will count as your final Bronze Bow test. Take your time on this!! First, make sure you
type all the content that I am requiring of you. Proof read it, edit it, double check you included
ALL the information I am looking for. Then, you can add color, transitions, animation, etc. to
the Power Point. The MOST important part of this presentation is the CONTENT!!!!!!
Your Power Point should be AT LEAST seven slides long.
The total points for this TEST is: 70 points!
MAJOR AND MINOR CHARACTERS
Major



“Round”-characters that change throughout the novel in some way
May be the protagonist of the novel
Get lots of “screen time”
Main plot revolves around these characters
Minor Receive very little “screen time”
 Not vital to the plot of the story
 Their appearances are brief and not frequent throughout the novel
CHARACTERS IN THE NOVEL?
Major
Minor
Daniel, Leah, Daniel’s grandmother, Rosh, Malthace, Joel, Samson, Simon, Jesus,
Marcus, Joktan, Nathan,
Joel’s father
MINOR CHARACTERS IN THE NOVEL?