What do you think? The narrator of the next story says that Daniel Webster was “the biggest man in...
5
What do you think? The narrator of the next story says that Daniel Webster was “the biggest man in the country” in his time: “He never got to be President, but he was the biggest man.” Who do you think is the “biggest” – the most famous, important, or powerful – person in the United States (or the world) today? Write the name of the person on one side of a slip of paper; on the other side, write your reasons for choosing that person. Hand in your slip and watch and listen as the names are written on the board and the reasons are read aloud. Then, vote the person you now consider the “biggest.”
-
Upload
patrick-robbins -
Category
Documents
-
view
212 -
download
0
description
Who is Daniel Webster? Daniel Webster, , was a lawyer and one of the most important American political leaders of the first half of the nineteenth century. Although he served as secretary of state, he is best remembered as a U.S. senator. In his eloquent speeches, Webster insisted that the United States should remain a unified country. The story we are reading is based on part on the real Daniel Webster. Through the use of exaggeration, however, the writer has created a tall tale. As you read, think about what American ideals the fictional Daniel Webster embodies.
Transcript of What do you think? The narrator of the next story says that Daniel Webster was “the biggest man in...
What do you think?The narrator of the next story says that Daniel Webster was “the
biggest man in the country” in his time:
“He never got to be President, but he was the biggest man.”
Who do you think is the “biggest” – the most famous, important, or powerful – person in the United States (or the world) today?
Write the name of the person on one side of a slip of paper; on the other side, write your reasons for choosing that person. Hand in your slip and watch and listen as the names are written on the board and the reasons are read aloud. Then, vote the person you now consider the “biggest.”
Voice your opinion (In writing of course!)Do you agree or disagree with the results of the
vote? Then, give your opinion of the winner: Is he or she a hero as well as “big” person?
Example of how to set up your response:I ____________ with results of the vote because
________. I believe this person is/is not a hero or big person because ________________.
Who is Daniel Webster?Daniel Webster, 1782-1852, was a lawyer and one of the most
important American political leaders of the first half of the nineteenth century. Although he served as secretary of state, he is best remembered as a U.S. senator. In his eloquent speeches, Webster insisted that the United States should remain a unified country.
The story we are reading is based on part on the real Daniel Webster. Through the use of exaggeration, however, the writer has created a tall tale. As you read, think about what American ideals the fictional Daniel Webster embodies.
Key Words: indivisible: incapable of being
divided.
vouch: give a guarantee or assurance
punctual: on time; prompt
simper: silly or self-conscious smile
spry: lively; moving in a quick, light way
glower: angry stare; scowl
stalked: walked in a stiff, grim, or proud way
denunciations: harsh criticisms; public accusations
reviling: used as noun, speaking abusively; calling names
wryly: in a twisted way; with grim humor
Allusion: a reference to someone or something from literature, history, religion, mythology, politics, sports, or another field or branch of culture.
In conclusion:In his speech to the jury, Webster
suggests that even wrongdoers can play a constructive role in life. Do you agree? Support your opinion with reasons and examples.
