Lesson 27

Open Ended

Summarize chapters 12-13. What’s something that you found interesting or surprising?

Multiple Choice

How does Alyce’s perception of herself differ from how others perceive her in the story?

• She believes she is capable and confident, while others see her as weak.

• She views herself as a failure and worthless, while others see her potential and value.

• She thinks she is intelligent, but others believe she is foolish.

• She feels accepted by everyone, but others think she is an outcast.

​In the story, Alyce grapples with her self-worth and how she perceives herself compared to how others see her. Initially, she views herself as a failure, overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy after running away from her apprenticeship. As she endures homelessness and the harshness of life, she remains convinced that she is "nothing" and belongs "nowhere."

However, her situation begins to change when she finds work at the inn. Through her labor, she starts to rebuild her sense of purpose and value. The innkeeper and his wife, John Dark and Jennet, appreciate her contributions, and she finds a sense of belonging, albeit still tinged with her feelings of failure.

Alyce's perspective shifts further when she encounters Magister Reese, a scholar who begins to teach her about reading and writing. This relationship ignites her curiosity and ambition, contrasting her self-perception with the potential others see in her. Despite her doubts, she learns and grows, beginning to envision a future where she is not defined by her past failures.

Ultimately, Alyce's journey illustrates a profound exploration of identity and self-worth, highlighting the difference between how she sees herself and how others perceive her capabilities. Through her experiences at the inn, she learns that she is capable of more than she ever believed, challenging her earlier notions of worthlessness.

Multiple Choice

How does Alyce’s point of view affect your understanding of The Midwife’s Apprentice? Because the story is told from Alyce’s point of view, the reader learns Alyce's

• feelings

• thoughts

• desires

• all of the above

​A snapshot in writing is a vivid, descriptive passage that captures a moment, scene, or character with specific details. It often includes sensory elements—sights, sounds, smells, and textures—to create a clear and engaging image in the reader's mind, allowing them to visualize the situation or feel the emotions being conveyed. Snapshots can be used in storytelling to enhance atmosphere, set the mood, or deepen character development.

The highway stretched endlessly ahead, covered by thick, dark clouds that dimmed the afternoon light. Cars crawled along, their headlights cutting through the gloom like little flashlights. The air was heavy with the smell of wet asphalt and damp earth. Drivers sat still, their faces tense, fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheels as they waited. Occasional horns broke the quiet, echoing in the humid air.

I glanced up at the signs hanging above, each one a hint of hope in the slow traffic. “Greenville 85 North,” it boldly announced, while another sign instructed me to stay straight for Marietta and Chattanooga. It felt like a teasing reminder of how close my destination was. I was stuck in the far left lane, and a wave of panic washed over me. How was I going to get over to the Marietta exit in time?

​A "thoughtshot" is a writing technique that captures a character's internal thoughts or feelings at a specific moment. It allows readers to gain insight into what a character is thinking or experiencing, often enhancing emotional depth and connection. Unlike dialogue or narrative description, thoughtshots focus solely on the character's mental state, providing a snapshot of their inner world. This technique can help convey motivation, conflict, or transformation in a story.

​As I sat in the slow crawl of traffic, I couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration tightening in my chest. Why is this happening now? I thought, glancing at the heavy clouds above. I just want to get home. The signs overhead loomed like reminders of all the places I could be—Greenville, Marietta, Chattanooga. Each name felt like a tease, promising freedom just out of reach. How am I going to make that exit in time? My fingers drummed anxiously on the steering wheel, a rhythm of impatience matching the thrum of rain on my windshield.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary difference between a "snapshot" and a "thoughtshot" in writing?

• A snapshot describes a scene or moment, while a thoughtshot expresses a character's feelings or thoughts.

• A snapshot focuses on a character's thoughts, while a thoughtshot describes the setting in detail.

• A snapshot is longer than a thoughtshot and includes dialogue.

• A snapshot is used only in fiction, while a thoughtshot can be used in any type of writing.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary difference between a "snapshot" and a "thoughtshot" in writing?

• A snapshot focuses on a character's thoughts, while a thoughtshot describes the setting in detail.

• A snapshot is longer than a thoughtshot and includes dialogue.

• A snapshot describes a scene or moment, while a thoughtshot expresses a character's feelings or thoughts.

• A snapshot is used only in fiction, while a thoughtshot can be used in any type of writing.

Open Ended

Write a character name and your favorite sentence.