The primary purpose of a short story is to entertain its readers. However, short stories can do much more than simply entertain: they can teach you valuable lessons and introduce you to new, exciting ideas. Think of a short story that you’ve read that has meant something to you. It can be one of the short stories from this unit or one that you’ve read on your own. Think about why you like the story you have chosen. Then, compare and contrast the short story to other stories you’ve read. Explain what makes the story you chose stand out more than other stories. Did the point of view make the story particularly appealing to you? Did the characters or the setting draw you in? Was the writing style inviting and approachable? What was it about the story’s message and ideas that interested you?

HEL

With crack on crack of thunder, zeus let fly a bolt against the ship, a direct hit, so that she bucked, in reeking fumes of sulphur, and all the men were flung into the sea. they came up 'round the wreck, bobbing a while like petrels on the waves. no more seafaring homeward for these, no sweet day of return; the god had turned his face from them. –the odyssey, homer read the passage. then, identify the theme that is supported by the passage. most ships cannot survive a terrible thunderstorm. the ocean is an angry beast that will tame any who try to control it. the gods have the power to control human destiny. men are willing to die to eat the delicious cattle of the gods.

Armed with invisible ink, a cipher system, and a passion to end the war and preserve the union, elizabeth van lew became butler's eyes and ears in the confederate capital city. truth be told, however, she became much more than that. she became a spymaster, the person responsible for running a network of agents, couriers, and safe houses that was very active during the war. in addition to the spying, elizabeth van lew continued to maintain her church hill home as a safe house and something of a local union spy headquarters. —the dark game, paul janeczko what is the central idea of this passage? van lew’s home was used as a safe house, which was critical to the confederacy. van lew had a passion to end the war and preserve the union. van lew was a spymaster, a leading force in the espionage activities for the union. van lew did not enjoy working for general butler.

What was noras point of view on what her parents were doing in keeping freedom in the family?