Page 1: Introduction and Assignment Details

This page introduces the short story "The Dragon" by Cynthia Forder and outlines the assignments related to it.

The assignments include:

1. Summarizing the plot in 70-80 words
2. Characterizing Kay and her relationship with Bob, analyzing the impact of point of view
3. Writing a letter from Kay's perspective to Bob

The page also provides annotations for key terms used in the story, such as "dragon" and "lawyer."

Vocabulary: Dragon - A mythical animal capable of flying and breathing fire, symbolizing hidden truths and powerful emotions in the story.

Highlight: The assignments focus on comprehension, analysis, and creative writing, encouraging students to engage deeply with the text and its characters.

Page 2: The Story Begins

The story opens on a porch-sitting night, with Kay and Bob on a swing overlooking the city. The narrative immediately establishes the setting and the dynamic between the two characters.

Key elements:

• The city lights and oil refineries create a fantastical backdrop
• Bob's conversation topics bore Kay
• Kay deliberately tries to have little in common with Bob
• Bob asks Kay to the movies, but she declines with an excuse

Quote: "Some even breathed fire, as if dragons were inside."

Highlight: The first-person narration from Kay's perspective allows readers to understand her inner thoughts and judgments about Bob.

Page 3: Confrontation and Revelation

This page marks a turning point in the story as Bob confronts Kay about her true feelings towards him.

Key developments:

• Bob reveals his awareness of Kay's dislike for him
• Kay feels guilty and defensive when confronted
• Bob accuses Kay of being phony and valuing appearances over truth
• The confrontation leads to an emotional moment for Kay

Quote: "You're a phony, Kay. And that's worse than being stupid."

Definition: Phony - Someone who is not genuine or pretends to be something they are not, highlighting Kay's inauthentic behavior towards Bob.

Page 4: Aftermath and Reflection

The final page of the story depicts the immediate aftermath of Bob's departure and Kay's emotional response.

Key points:

• Kay lies to her mother about Bob's reason for leaving
• She retreats to her room, emotionally affected by the confrontation
• The story ends with Kay watching the refinery flame, symbolizing her inner turmoil

Example: The melting and washing away of the dragon's flame colors symbolize Kay's emotional state and potential for change.

Highlight: The story's conclusion leaves room for interpretation regarding Kay's personal growth and potential for self-reflection.

Page 5: Character Development

This section delves deeper into Kay's character analysis and the relationship dynamics between the protagonists.

Quote: "Kay is known as the egoistic person because of comparing himself with Bob."

Highlight: The analysis reveals Kay's intellectual superiority complex and its impact on their relationship.

Page 6: Perspective and Letter Writing

The page combines character analysis with a creative writing exercise, showing a letter from Kay to Bob.

Highlight: The letter format allows for exploration of Kay's inner thoughts and potential regret.

Example: The letter writing exercise demonstrates character development and emotional awareness.

Page 7: Evaluation Guidelines

This page provides assessment criteria for analyzing the story and student responses.

Definition: Plot elements are defined as including characters, setting, and main events.

Highlight: The guidelines emphasize the importance of understanding character motivation and story structure.

Overall Summary

"The Dragon" by Cynthia Forder is a poignant short story that examines the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery.

Key points:

• Explores the strained friendship between Kay and Bob
• Set on a porch with a view of city lights and oil refineries
• Reveals Kay's internal struggle with honesty and self-perception
• Culminates in a confrontation that leads to personal growth for both characters
• Uses the metaphor of a fire-breathing dragon to symbolize hidden truths and emotions