True Grit – Summer 2013
Part I:
Characterization
Part II:
Figurative Language
Part III:
Vocabulary
Part IV:
Extended Response
*All of your answers below need to be 12-point, Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins. (MLA
Format)
*Please contact Laurie Plankers ([email protected]), Tim Coleman
([email protected]), or Mike Allen ([email protected]) if you have
questions.
Characterization
For each of the characters listed below, write a topic sentence/assertion that describes the
character’s personality. Consider the following adjectives: persistent, aggressive, outspoken, optimistic,
convincing, determined, aggressive, entrepreneur, ambitious, inventive, short tempered, snotty, selfcentered, gruff, spunky, honest, loyal, determined steadfast, self-reliant, faithful, courageous. You may
use these words in your sentences, or you may choose your own words.
Next, find two examples from the novel that show how you know what kind of person he or she
is. Copy the two sentences down and cite the page number.
MattieRoss_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
FrankRoss______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
TomChaney_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
RoosterCogburn_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
LaBoeuf________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
YarnellPoindexter________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________.
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Example______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________(pg).
Figurative Language/Literary Elements
Find fifteen examples of the following (must find at least one of each). Type out the example, give the
page number where you found it, and label the literary element.
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Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia
Hyperbole
Idiom
Allusion
Cliché
Irony (dramatic or situational)
Sample entry:
Simile: A figure of speech comparing two essentially unlike things through the use of a specific word of
comparison such as “like,” “as,” “than” or “resembles.”
Concrete Detail: “Enough is as good as a feast.” Page 39, Simile
(no, you may not use this example for one of your similes!!)
Remember that you only have to do 15 total, but you must reference each literary element at least
once.
PLEASE NOTE*** You only need to include the definition for your figurative language/literary element
once.
Vocabulary – Define all of the words on the list before reading the novel.
Choose twenty words to use in either a compound or complex sentence (ten of each sentence type).
Your sentences should be relevant to the content of True Grit.
Compound Sentence A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so) and a comma or by a semicolon alone.
Example: The pirate captain lost her treasure map, but she still found the
buried treasure.
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence combines a dependent clause with an independent clause. When the
dependent clause is placed before the independent clause, the two clauses are divided by a
comma; otherwise, no punctuation is necessary.
Example: Because the soup was too cold, I warmed it in the microwave.
*Go to http://eslbee.com/sentences.htm to learn more about compound and complex sentences.
Credence (p. 11)
Disposition (p. 12)
Riffraff (p. 16)
Meddle (p. 16)
Warrant (p. 25)
Impertinent (p. 28)
Empaneling (p. 31)
Harbored (p. 32)
Litigation (p. 36)
Incommensurate (p. 38)
Dropsy (p. 42)
Premises (p. 49)
Rooting (p. 57)
Countenance (p. 58)
Demijohn (p. 62)
Confiscate (p. 63)
Carpetbagger (p. 66)
Sordid (p. 76)
Quinine (p. 79)
Inducement (p. 92)
Presumptuous (p. 92)
Skimped (p. 100)
Parley (p. 108)
Garb (p. 109)
Emigrants (p. 113)
Doctrine (p. 115)
Manacled (p. 130)
Clabber (p. 141)
Drover (p. 146)
Mesmerized (p. 150)
Hominy (p. 154)
Commissary (p. 157)
Spunk (p. 165)
Commutation (p. 168)
Inclination (p. 173)
Indulgence (p. 177)
Ruse (p. 189)
Greenbacks (p. 192)
Hydrophobia (p. 206)
Agitation (p. 210
Extended Response
Each response should be at least a ½ page in length and in paragraph form.
1. Many of the characters in TRUE GRIT share a love of action and a desire to be out on the unsettled
plains, away from the confines of polite society. How does this wanderlust manifest itself in Mattie,
Rooster, and Chaney? Is Mattie more comfortable away from civilized society?
2. Mattie has a direct and unflinching perspective, but her upbringing has also left her somewhat
sheltered and naïve. What kind of girl is Mattie? What about her voice and actions convinces you that
she is fourteen years old? Is this a coming-of-age novel?
3. Mattie has an absolute sense of right and wrong that is deeply influenced by her religious upbringing.
Is Mattie's "eye for an eye" approach to her revenge on Chaney justified? Are her methods sound?
4. Rooster, Mattie, and LaBoeuf are quite the unlikely team. Why does Mattie choose to trust Rooster,
and vice versa? How does their dynamic help and/or hurt her quest to avenge her father’s death?
5. In Mattie's world, what is the meaning of "true grit?" Does "grit" refer to courage, to dirt, to having a
slightly rougher side? Who in the novel has this trait? Who lacks it? Is having "true grit" necessarily
positive?
6. Money is a recurring element throughout TRUE GRIT and a motivating factor for almost all the
characters. Mattie in particular has a fixation on money; she takes note of all her expenditures, even
shipping costs. What role does money play in the novel? How do Mattie's allies and enemies agree and
differ in their attitudes about money?
7. TRUE GRIT is, in many ways, a classic adventure story of outlaws, justice, and a quest for revenge.
How does Portis portray the journey? Is it a romantic vision of a girl out for justice? How does Mattie
resemble an archetypal adventure heroine? How does she differ? How do Rooster and LaBoeuf
resemble adventure heroes, and how do they differ?
8. There is a great deal of fighting and bloodshed in TRUE GRIT. Did Mattie's reaction to the violence
surprise you? How does the prevalence of violence in the book reflect the time period and attitudes of
the characters?