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Mrs. Swalec, 6-Blue Language Arts



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Study Guides

"Dragon, Dragon" Study Guide

Title and author: "Dragon, Dragon" by John GardnerAuthor facts:

  1. He wrote a novel based on the famous poem Beowulf, but he wrote it from the monster’s point of view. It was called Grendel.  

  2. He lived from 1933-1982.  

  3. He is best known for his novels, but he also wrote children’s stories.

     

  4. He adds humor to "Dragon, Dragon" and also adds modern details.

     Definition of plot: The plot of a story is the sequence of events that occurs in the story.

The five elements of plot: exposition (where the problem or initiating conflict is introduced), rising actions, climax/turning point, falling actions, resolution/conclusion

The characteristics of each of the three sons, the eldest, middle, and youngest – Include what happened to each!

Eldest (Oldest): He was very smart and thought he could trick the dragon. He dressed as a peddler who was selling brushes. His plan did not work. And he was eaten by the dragon, sword and all!

Middle Son: He was known for being very strong and could even lift the corner of a church! He charged right in thinking he could surprise the dragon. He hit the back wall of the cave and was knocked unconscious. He was eaten and his horse was put in the freezer for another time!

The youngest son: He was quiet, small, and shy. He listened to his father and recited the poem. He slayed the dragon by accident since the heavy sword actually fell on the dragon.

 

Seven vocabulary words and definitions:

plagued – tormented
lair – the resting or dwelling place of a wild or imaginary animal
ravaged – violently destroyed
tyrant – a cruel, unjust ruler
reflecting – thinking seriously about something
craned – stretched the neck for a better view
flabbergasted – speechless, surprised, or astonished

Main theme of "Dragon, Dragon": Listen to your elders

Other themes:

You do not have to be the strongest or the smartest to succeed in life.

Believe in yourself.

Don’t try to "go it alone." Accept help from others.

Your parents might just be smarter than you think!

Don’t be "full of yourself."

The king’s offer for whoever kills the dragon: The king offers the princess’s hand in marriage and/or half the kingdom. The cobbler is already married and feels that half the kingdom is too much responsibility. He does not accept the offer.





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