Name ____________________________ Date _______________________
Author will sometimes use symbolism as a way to help the audience understand precisely what the story is describing. Like figurative language, symbolism helps to paint a picture by comparing a situation in the story to something many people commonly understand.
Consider the scene where Grandfather and Sarah are trying to fix Jacob’s leg and think about the emotions/mood of the house. Now, read the following passages and think about how symbolism is used to paint a picture.
I went to the door and looked back once. Papa’s eyes were closed. Sarah got up on the bed behind him. Grandfather looked at me. A sudden burst of wind tossed sleet and snow against the window. I left the room.
Caleb’s Story –page 85
It was quiet in the kitchen, the wind suddenly dying outside.
Caleb’s Story – page 86
· What is the author trying to help you realize by describing the weather during such an emotionally difficult and complicated moment?
In a funny way it seems that Jacob’s injury has brought the family together in a way they haven’t experienced thus far. At the end of chapter nine, Sarah asks Caleb where Cassie was. While this is going on, Grandfather smiled as he grabbed Cassie’s foot and quietly whispered, “I found you. I found you.”
· What is the significance of this moment? Why would Grandfather smile and say this quietly to himself?
