Summaries are Overdue

Gentlemen, your chapter summaries are now overdue.  I'll do Zac's chapter now that he has left us.  So far, only Jason and Eric are guaranteed not to have to stay through Friday's lunch hour.  Happy reading ;-)

DVD is on its way

Have just received an email from Wellington.  The DVD is on its way with an overnight courier (it's Friday night now) but, of course, school isn't open tomorrow morning!  Hopefully it will arrive first thing Monday so we can watch some of it period 1.  In the meantime, keep reading!  The boys who have finished the book and submitted their chapter summary by the end of Monday's lesson will get chocolate.

BAD NEWS

Looked through 63 old videos last night to find the one I'd recorded 'The Scarecrow' on.  Didn't find it.  BUT I've ordered a brand new copy from a place in Wellington.  It'll be here soon but not in time for Monday's period.  Sorry.

Friday 11th

Next Friday we'll be doing a test to ensure you've read the novel.  On this day, you also need to hand in your plot summary.  About 100 words - you each have a chapter to do.
Chapter 1 Zac, 2 Guy, 3 Michael, 4 Isaac, 5 Ryan, 6 Kane, 7 Toby, 8 Mitchell, 9 Charles, 10 Hapi, 11 Steven, 12 Josh M, 13 Ben, 14 Kieran, 15 Mackenzie, 16 Eric, 17 Josh T, 18 Jason, 19 Jayden, 20 Rory.

Chapter 3
It's important as there is a major shift in the method of narration. 
1. What has happened to the method of narration?
2. Why has this change had to happen?
3. There is a clear link to the third paragraph of the story.  What is it?
4. This is the first we learn of what happened to Daphne Moran.  What is explained?
5. This is also where we get the first decent description of the Scarecrow.  How is he described and why has he been given the name of 'The Scarecrow'?

The Author

I'll provide you with a sheet of biographical information about Ronald Hugh Morrieson but, if you'd like to learn more about him to weave into an essay, I suggest you look at these sites:

www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Writers/Profiles/Morrieson,%20Ronald%20Hugh

www.nzonscreen.com/person/ronald-hugh-morrieson/biography

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 introduces us to the second of the two plotlines from the opening sentence.
1. In this chapter, we are introduced to the second plot line.  What do we learn about it?
2. The Scarecrow (of the title) is briefly introduced.  How is he referred to?
3. What is the significance of the detailed references to car tyres?  What does it reveal about the Poindexters and their social standing?

The Scarecrow - opening chapters

Chapter 1 provides an intro to Klynham and our narrator, Neddy.  We see in the opening sentence that we will have two main plot lines - the murder of Daphne Moran and the stealing of the fowls..

Questions to consider for chapter 1.
1. Which of the two plot lines from the opening sentence is explored?  How does Neddy describe these two plot lines?
2. What information does Neddy reveal about himself?
3. Which characters are introduced and what do we learn about them?
4. Which specific lines of text alert us to the fact that, although Neddy is telling a tale of his childhood, he is doing so in retrospect?
5. RH Morrieson (author) was also a musician.  There are specific lines which weave in musical references.  Find at least three.
6. What do you notice about the use of dialogue in the opening chapter?
7. How is the town of Klynham presented in the opening chapter?
8. How are the Poindexters presented in the opening chapter?  How does Klynham view the Poindexters?
9. During which period do you think the story is set?