Global Literature Name _____________________________

Unit: Australian Literature Section _______________

Marngit

Before You Read

Vocabulary Review: Write the words and their definitions from the vocabulary sheet provided below:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Key Ideas:

This piece of writing uses the literary devices of extended metaphor and symbolism to tell a story. Write
the definitions for these terms below:

1. extended metaphor –

2. symbolism –

As You Read – Answer the following questions in the spaces provided.

1. Using at least two (2) specific examples from the text, show how the story relates to Dreamtime
stories.

2. What are the goals of the white surveyors?

3. How do the surveyors influence Marngit?

4. How does your answer to question #3 reflect the problems that Aboriginal Australians face today (see
the timeline provided in class for additional information)?
5. Who is Marngit? Say as much as you can about him.

6. Give two (2) examples of cultural miscommunication (a communication breakdown based on

differing perspectives/values/beliefs, etc.) in this story.

a-

b-

7. The storm might be seen as a symbol for something. What might it be? Why?

8. Why did the people turn into trees? What might this symbolize? Why?

9. How/why did Marngit die? How can you tell?

10. What happened to the land after Marngit died? How does the reader know this?

11. Why does Marngit want to become a Baru?

12. In one sentence, summarize the author’s message to the reader.

After You Read

Below, in one or two (1-2) sentence, summarize the following:

1. What were your personal/emotional reactions to the piece?

2. How does the story relate to what we have already learned?

What questions do you still have about this story?