The Scream

8/31 - 9/1

Daily Activity:
Click on the following link: Wednesday, 8/31- Click to view sentences
Thursday, 9/1- Click on link

Goals: Understand the difference between figurative and literal language
Students will be able to demonstrate reflective ideas in their writing

Figurative and Literal:

Recognizing Literal Language
You have probably read or heard someone make a comment similar to this one:

The store was literally bursting with shoppers!

In this case, the person is not using the word literally in its true meaning. Literal means "exact" or "not exaggerated." By pretending that the statement is not exaggerated, the person stresses the fullness of the store. Literal language is language that means exactly what is said. Most of the time, we use literal language.

Recognizing Figurative Language

The opposite of literal language is figurative language. Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface.

It usually gives us a feeling about its subject. For example, one poet writes about the "song of the truck." She does not mean that a truck can actually sing. Rather, she is speaking figuratively. She is referring to road noises as music. By using the word song, and suggesting music, she brings joyful feelings to mind.

Writers and artists use figurative language almost as frequently as literal language. When you read, you must be conscious of the difference.

For example, can you explain these lines from "The Storyteller"


He talked, and as he talked

Wallpaper came alive.


Of course, the poet is not using literal language. He doesn't mean that the wallpaper literally jumped off the walls. Rather, he is using figurative language. This exaggeration suggests the power of the storyteller.


Sometimes the literal meaning of a line does not make sense, and only the figurative meaning does. At other times, both literal and figurative meanings make sense. As you read or view artwork, you must be alert for statements with both literal and figurative meanings.

Reflective writing:

The need to think reflectively improves your ability to read critically and analyse ideas presented in class as well as daily experiences. As you write, you clarify your own understanding. The process of thinking and writing reflectively helps you to lay philosophical foundations for all of your creative work.

Thinking reflectively helps you:

Understand the concept of reflective writing
Recognise the benefits of reflecting on your developing an idea or philosophy

Click on the following link to view the painting:
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/munch/munch.scream.jpg

Painting: The Scream
Artist: Edvard Munch

ASSIGNMENT: Study the painting above. Place yourself in the composition and experience the message that the artist, Edvard Munch, is attempting to convey. If you are the person Munch is painting, what have you just experienced? Why are you here? What is Edvard Munch's message? What do you see? Incorporate the following concepts into your essay:

1. Your emotional reaction

2. What emotion is being expressed?

3. How do the colors influence the emotional impact? (Comment on the use of color, direction, brushstrokes used)

Closure Activity:
At the end of each class, students will evaluate their work. This will promote the ability to self and peer edit. It will also facilitate the goal of positive response.

Daily Closure Activity:(Click on the appropriate day when completing the closure activity
Wednesday, 8/31: Would you describe your responses as figurative or literal? Explain

Standard - 1.2.11.C: Examine the author’s explicit and implicit bias and assumptions, beliefs about a subject, use of fact and/or opinion, and/or the author’s argument or defense of a claim as related to essential and non-essential information.

Standard - 1.8.11.C: Analyze, synthesize, and integrate data, creating a reasoned product that supports and appropriately illustrates inferences and conclusions drawn from research.
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