Precourse Independent Reading Assignment
English IV
[Teacher TBA]
This summer English IV will read Silas Marner by George Eliot; you are provided with one
copy of the novel; if you lose your copy you are responsible for replacing it. Set aside time
regularly and read one chapter (or so) at a time. Begin the novel early in the summer; do not wait
until school starts to begin this assignment.
Before reading the novel, there will be pre-reading questions for you to answer. While
reading the novel you will complete a dialectical journal, complete a character chart and a
symbolism chart. After reading the novel, there will be post-reading questions for you to answer.
While the journal and charts are not required to be in complete sentences, the reading questions
are required to be written in a formal writing style (following all sentence structure and conventions
standards). Remember as you write (both in your journal and your questions) provide the page
numbers, in parenthesis ( ), where you located the sources of your information for the questions.
Citation is critical for this class.
After reading the novel and completing the work, look for a credible article that discusses
parenting styles for the 21st century. (Print or copy the article for your use.) Read and annotate the
article. Write a short reflection (150 – 200 words) comparing and contrasting the ideas of parenting
styles in the novel Silas Marner and the ideas in your article.
If you lose any part of your packet, an original copy is located on Mrs. Monn’s Classroom
website. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Monn (monnlm@bay.k12.fl.us) or Mrs.
Carter (carteld@bay.k12.fl.us).
To complete the dialectical journal for the novel, your notes should include information on aspects of the
novel. See below for set up for journal:
Directions for the Dialectical Journal
T – Chart (Formative)
Left Side
“Title of Chapter’
Page numbers from your text
Right Side
Summary of what is going on in each chapter. (50
words max).
Setting
Personal Comments (see below for explanation)
Vocabulary Words with definitions that you do not
know. Try to use context clues to figure out the
meaning, but if needed use a dictionary.
Remember find the meaning that fits in the plot line.
Quotes from the story
Personal reflection about quote (see below)
Quotes with figurative language (literary elements)
Type of figurative language (literary elements)
As you read ... (this information would go in the right side of your notes)
Listen to the questions and observations your mind makes as you read and capture those mind-noises on paper.
Some things to note in your reading journal might be places in the text where you
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are confused, puzzled, or surprised
struck by the language or an image
can relate the text to something in your life or to another text or to something happening locally or
globally
can predict what might happen
react strongly
You may want to use one or more of these to help you create your notes:
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a paraphrase of a complex segment of text
a possible explanation of a confusing material
a main idea from the resource and why it is important
a strong positive or negative reaction and an explanation of that reaction
a reason for agreeing or disagreeing with the author/producer
a comparison and/or contrast of a passage with another resource or with prior knowledge
a prediction based on evidence from the resource
a question generated as a result of reading, viewing, or hearing the resource
a description of a personal experience that relates to the resource
Complete a character analysis chart for following characters in the novel and a symbols chart:
Some help with character traits:
Character Traits
Characters (and real-life people) have unique attributes called traits. Use the following list of character traits as a guideline when
writing book reports and essays about the different characters you have read. Do not stop with this list, though; you can probably
think of many more terms to describe your characters.
Honest
Light-hearted
Leader
Expert
Brave
Conceited
Mischievous
Demanding
Thoughtful
Keen
Happy
Disagreeable
Simple
Fancy
Plain
Excited
Studious
Inventive
Creative
Thrilling
Independent
Intelligent
Compassionate
Gentle
Proud
Wild
Messy
Neat
Joyful
Strong
Bright
Courageous
Serious
Funny
Humorous
Sad
Poor
Rich
Tall
Dark
Light
Handsome
Pretty
Ugly
Selfish
Unselfish
Self-confident
Respectful
Considerate
Imaginative
Busy
Patriotic
Fun-loving
Popular
Successful
Responsible
Lazy
Dreamer
Helpful
Simple-minded
Humble
Friendly
Short
Adventurous
Hard-working
Timid
Shy
Bold
Daring
Dainty
Pitiful
Cooperative
Lovable
Prim
Proper
Ambitious
Able
Quiet
Curious
Reserved
Pleasing
Bossy
Witty
Fighter
Tireless
Energetic
Cheerful
Smart
Impulsive
Loyal
Character Analysis
Title of the Story: Silas Marner
Keep a list of characters in the novel and use the character trait list to describe each one. Cite the page
number and the paragraph that proves these characters have the traits you mention.
Name
Traits
Page
Paragraph
Silas Marner
Eppie
Dustan Cass
Godfrey Cass
Symbolism Chart:
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are
different from their literal sense.
Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it an entirely
different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Sometimes, however, an action, an event or a
word spoken by someone may have a symbolic value. For instance, “smile” is a symbol of friendship.
Similarly, the action of someone smiling at you may stand as a symbol of the feeling of affection which that
person has for you.
Symbols do shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. “A chain”, for example, may
stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment”. Thus, symbolic meaning of an object or an action is understood
by when, where and how it is used. It also depends on who reads them.
Complete the following chart using symbolism from the novel. Explain the meaning of each symbol below
in the context of the novel. Three symbols have been provided for you; select three more symbols.
Silas's Loom
Lantern Yard
The Hearth
Answer each question completely, 75 - 150 words. Each answer should follow all sentence structure and
convention English Language Arts standards.
Before Reading Questions:
1. What are the causes of social isolation? To what extent are these causes externally imposed?
Self-imposed?
2. What are the individual effects of social isolation? On the group from which the person is isolated?
3. What are some examples of social isolation operating in our world and society today? Include
examples of both group-imposed and self-imposed isolation. What are their intended purposes?
What are their actual results?
4. Generally speaking, people get what they deserve, for better or worse. True or false? Support
your stand.
5.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of practicing deceit and secrecy? What public
figures have you known to use such practices? What were the results?
6. What are the benefits and consequences of accepting and meeting responsibilities? Cite
examples of people who have either met or not met their responsibilities.
After Reading Questions:
1. Generally speaking, people get what they deserve, for better or worse. True or false? Support
your stand. To what degree did this rule apply to characters in this novel?
2. Which characters underwent change? What brought about these changes?
3. It has been said that givers are enriched by giving. How did this principle operate in Silas Marner?
In what way have you seen it work in your experience?
4. To what extent are Godfrey and Dunstan's shortcomings attributable to their home life? To their
own irresponsibility? After what point should young people no longer attribute their difficulties to
their parents or to society?
5. It has been said that people need people. It this true? To what extent do people also need time to
be alone? Why? What is a proper balance between these two needs?