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The Curio Shop. By William Kotzwinkle. The following quotes have larger implications within the context of the whole story:. “large sooty stains” (284) If the bauble (or trinket) represents the Earth, “large sooty stains” could represent pollution, exhaust, smog, etc.
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The Curio Shop By William Kotzwinkle
The following quotes have larger implications within the context of the whole story: • “large sooty stains” (284) • If the bauble (or trinket) represents the Earth, “large sooty stains” could represent • pollution, exhaust, smog, etc.
“once the corrosion began it couldn’t be reversed” (284) • Again, if the bauble represents the Earth, this corrosion could represent… • the pollution or global warming that cannot be reversed
“The spirit must have departed only recently.” (285) • Spirit refers to… • life, breath, enthusiasm, • On our Earth, the “spirit” could refer to… • The life within the Earth: plants, animals, people • If the life is departing, then the Earth is dying
“the glittering, milky boulevard” (287) • If the bauble represents Earth, the milky boulevard the Collector is walking down could be the “Milky Way” • This reference simply makes the symbolic reference to the Earth stronger
What is the turning point of the story? When does the symbolic notion of the trinket become clear? • The Collector asks the name of the sphere, and the Seller responds, “He called it Earth” (287) • Now the reader clues in to the fact that the bauble is a symbol for the Earth • Now the “sooty stains” (pollution) and other deteriorations make sense: the Earth is also deteriorating
Plot Graph X Climax: bauble’s name is “Earth” X – denouement: Collector walks down milky boulevard Crisis X – Collector purchases bauble X – Collector says “centre is filled with jewels” (286) Rising Action X – collector says “microbes” cause the deteriotation of the trinket Introduction: Collector & Seller in a curio shop X – a chilling wail comes from the bauble X – Seller says it no longer contains “a true spirit” (285) Complicating incident: a collector wishes to purchase a bauble but it has stains and rust on it (it is imperfect)
Determine the topic & theme • Topic: A collector in a curio shop wishes to purchase a decorative bauble • Theme: the Earth is deteriorating rapidly and humans must work to prevent more damage
Create a topic sentence • Remember to include title, author, topic and theme • One sentence • Order doesn’t matter • See “Once Upon a Time” sample paragraph
Track the theme development: • Beginning: what is the author establishing? • Point: A collector is drawn to a decorative sphere but it is damaged; later the author reveals that the bauble symbolizes Earth • Proof? • Discussion? What is the significance of this damage?
Middle: what occurs to create conflict or change, leading the reader to think about the issue? • Point: The collector notices… • Proof • Discussion • Point • Proof • discussion
End: how does the ending reveal or reinforce the author’s theme? • Eg. How does the climax reinforce the theme? What happens? What is revealed to the reader? • Point: The theme is revealed when…
Concluding Statement: • Remember to include title, author, topic and theme • State in a fresh new way (rephrase your topic sentence)