Irony. Irony is a difference between appearance and reality. In this story, Jed’s grand-father is depicted as having always been a very strong person, as sturdy as a tree. As you read the story, think about how that depiction could be considered ironic.
Symbol. A symbol is a thing that stands for—or represents—both itself and something else. In this story, elements such as birds, woodsmoke, and a dream are symbols for other things, such as emotions or personal qualities. Try to locate symbols and to interpret their meanings as you read.
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• The main character in this story has a disturbing dream related to what is happening in his life. Dreams have played an important role in ancient and primitive cultures. Throughout time, many people have believed that dreams were visits from a supreme being, predictions of the future, or the activities of human souls freed by sleep.
• Science Connection. Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was one of the first modern scientists to study dreams. He believed that dreams were keys to the makeup of each person. He also believed that dreams had symbolic meaning. Another modern psychiatrist, Swiss researcher Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961), added to Freud’s ideas. Jung believed that dreams express the thoughts people are not conscious of, including their worries about the future.
• This story takes place in a rural area on Indian Lake, probably in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. The Sabael family in the story lives much as Jed’s ancestors did, relying little on outsiders to provide the necessities of life. Instead, they rely on their own abilities to gather food and water, to supply shelter and warmth, and to cope with hardship.
Write about someone who has taught you a skill. What have you learned from this person?
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