Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ______________
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THE LANGUAGE ARTS MAGAZINE
play: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Speckled Band • Skill: Literary Elements and Devices, page 1 of 4
Identifying the basic elements of a literary work can help you understand it better. Use this activity to help
you understand Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Speckled Band. See Scope’s “Glossary of Literary Terms” for
definitions of the words that appear in bold.
Section 1: Characters
1. For the characters of Helen and Holmes, and one other character of your choice: (1) decide whether the
character is major or minor; (2) briefly describe the character, including his or her appearance, personality,
and background; and (3) decide whether the character is static or dynamic and explain why.
Helen
A.
is a
major
minor (check one) character.
Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________
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She is a
static
dynamic (check one) character. I think so because
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HOLMES
B.
is a
major
minor (check one) character.
Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
He is a
static
dynamic (check one) character. I think so because
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
C.
is a
major
minor (check one) character.
Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
He/She is a
static
dynamic (check one) character. I think so because
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Scholastic sCOPE activity • SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
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Back to Basics:
Literary Elements and Devices
play: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Speckled Band• Skill: Literary Elements and Devices, page 2 of 4
2. Describe the relationship between Holmes and Watson. How do they interact with each other?
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3. Describe the role of Old Watson. What is his purpose in the play?
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4. Give two examples of indirect characterization of Dr. Roylott.
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5. Consider the characterization of Sherlock Holmes.
A. Give an example of something Holmes says. What does this line reveal about his character?
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B. Give an example of something Holmes does. What does this action reveal about his character?
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Section 2: Setting
6. Briefly describe the setting.
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Scholastic sCOPE activity • SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
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Uses: Copy machine, opaque projector, or transparency master for overhead projector. Scholastic Inc. grants subscribers of Scholastic Scope permission to reproduce this page for use in their classrooms. ©2012 by Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
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play: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Speckled Band• Skill: Literary Elements and Devices, page 3 of 4
7. What clues in the illustrations help you determine when the play takes place?
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Section 3: Theme
8. A theme of this play is that the harm you do others will come back and harm you. Explain how the play
illustrates this theme. Include at least three details to support your answer.
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Section 4: Mood
9. What is the mood of the play? Does it stay the same throughout the play, or does it change? Explain.
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10. Now explain how the author established the mood. Which imagery, words, ideas, and aspects of the setting
or plot caused you to feel the way you did?
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Scholastic sCOPE activity • September 24, 2012
Continued on Next page >
Uses: Copy machine, opaque projector, or transparency master for overhead projector. Scholastic Inc. grants subscribers of Scholastic Scope permission to reproduce this page for use in their classrooms. ©2012 by Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
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play: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Speckled Band • Skill: Literary Elements and Devices, page 4 of 4
Section 5: Plot
3
4
2
FALLING ACTION: What is the solution
to the problem? How is it carried out?
RISING ACTION: What happens that
causes the situation to escalate, or
intensify?
5
1
RESOLUTION: What is the
ultimate outcome?
OPENING: What is the main
problem?
Scholastic sCOPE activity • September 24, 2012
Uses: Copy machine, opaque projector, or transparency master for overhead projector. Scholastic Inc. grants subscribers of Scholastic Scope permission to reproduce this page for use in their classrooms. ©2012 by Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
CLIMAX: Describe the moment when the problem reaches its
greatest intensity. What happens to make this a turning point?