Embark on an extraordinary literary journey with the Small Wonders ReadWorks Answer Key, a comprehensive guide that unveils the intricate tapestry of characters, themes, and literary nuances woven within this captivating tale.

Delve into the depths of this enchanting story, where family bonds, unwavering friendships, and the indomitable spirit of overcoming adversity take center stage. The Small Wonders ReadWorks Answer Key illuminates the complexities of the narrative, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the timeless themes that resonate with readers of all ages.

Characters and Themes

In the heartwarming tale “Small Wonders,” we encounter an array of unforgettable characters and delve into poignant themes that resonate deeply with readers.

Main Characters, Small wonders readworks answer key

• Anne Shirley: An orphan girl with an unyielding spirit and a vivid imagination, Anne brings joy and chaos to the lives of the Cuthberts.
• Marilla Cuthbert: A stern and practical spinster who initially resists Anne’s charms but gradually grows to love her.
• Matthew Cuthbert: Marilla’s brother, a gentle and kind-hearted farmer who immediately takes a liking to Anne.

Themes

Throughout the story, several central themes emerge:

• Family: Despite Anne’s orphan status, she finds a true family in the Cuthberts, emphasizing the importance of love and belonging.
• Friendship: Anne forms close friendships with Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe, demonstrating the power of companionship and support.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Anne faces numerous challenges throughout the story, including prejudice, loneliness, and academic setbacks. Her resilience and determination inspire readers to persevere in the face of adversity.

Plot Summary

Small Wonders revolves around the adventures of the Smart family and their extraordinary pet, a highly intelligent dog named Edison. The story begins with the Smart family winning Edison in a raffle, unaware of his remarkable abilities.

As Edison’s intelligence becomes evident, the family must navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with having such an extraordinary companion. They face conflicts with nosy neighbors, jealous scientists, and even government agents who seek to exploit Edison’s abilities.

Key Conflicts

• The Smart family’s struggle to keep Edison’s intelligence a secret while protecting him from those who would harm him.
• The tension between the family’s desire to use Edison’s intelligence for good and the potential consequences of doing so.
• The ethical dilemmas faced by the family as they grapple with the implications of Edison’s abilities.

Turning Points

• The family’s decision to reveal Edison’s intelligence to the world, leading to both positive and negative consequences.
• Edison’s capture by government agents, forcing the family to confront their fears and fight for his freedom.
• The family’s ultimate realization that Edison’s true value lies not in his intelligence, but in the love and companionship he brings to their lives.

Setting and Atmosphere

The setting of “Small Wonders” is a small town in the American Midwest during the early 20th century. The town is a close-knit community where everyone knows each other and their business. This setting has a profound impact on the characters, as they are constantly aware of the opinions and expectations of their neighbors.

The atmosphere of the story is one of nostalgia and longing. The author, Eudora Welty, uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a sense of time and place that is both familiar and distant. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl named Lily Daw, who is looking back on her childhood.

This perspective gives the story a sense of innocence and wonder, as Lily remembers the small moments that made up her life.

The Impact of the Setting

• The small-town setting creates a sense of community and belonging. The characters are all connected to each other, and they rely on each other for support.
• The setting also creates a sense of isolation. The town is far removed from the rest of the world, and the characters are often unaware of what is happening outside their small community.
• The early 20th-century setting gives the story a sense of nostalgia. The characters are living in a time of great change, and they are struggling to keep up with the modern world.

The Impact of the Atmosphere

• The atmosphere of nostalgia and longing creates a sense of sadness and regret. The characters are looking back on their childhoods with a sense of loss. They know that they can never go back to the past, and they are struggling to find their place in the present.

• The atmosphere also creates a sense of hope and optimism. The characters are still young, and they are full of dreams for the future. They believe that anything is possible, and they are determined to make their lives better.

Author’s Style and Techniques

The author of “Small Wonders” employs a simple yet effective writing style to convey the story’s message. The prose is clear and concise, with short sentences and straightforward language that makes the story easy to read and understand.

The author uses a variety of literary devices to create a vivid and engaging narrative. Figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, is used to create vivid imagery and make the story more relatable to readers. For example, the author compares the children’s laughter to “the sound of bells” and describes the old woman’s eyes as “sparkling like diamonds.”

Symbolism

Symbolism is another important literary device used in the story. The old woman’s garden, for example, can be seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. The children’s laughter can be seen as a symbol of innocence and joy. These symbols add depth and meaning to the story, and they help readers to connect with the characters and their experiences.

Historical and Cultural Context

Small Wonders was written in the early 20th century, a time of great social and economic change. The Industrial Revolution had led to the rise of cities and the growth of a working class. New technologies, such as the automobile and the telephone, were transforming the way people lived.

At the same time, the world was on the brink of a major war, which would have a profound impact on the lives of everyone.

The story reflects the values and beliefs of its time. It is a story about the importance of family and community. It is also a story about the power of love and the importance of overcoming adversity.

The Importance of Family and Community

In Small Wonders, the family is the center of the story. The main character, Peter, is a young boy who is raised by his grandparents. His grandparents are loving and supportive, and they provide him with a strong sense of belonging.

The story also shows the importance of community. Peter’s grandparents are part of a close-knit community of friends and neighbors. They help each other out in times of need, and they provide a sense of support and belonging for Peter.

The Power of Love

Love is a powerful force in Small Wonders. It is the love of his grandparents that helps Peter to overcome the challenges he faces. It is also the love of his friends and neighbors that helps him to feel safe and loved.

The story shows that love can conquer all, even the most difficult challenges.

The Importance of Overcoming Adversity

Small Wonders is a story about overcoming adversity. Peter faces many challenges in his life, but he never gives up. He learns from his mistakes, and he never lets anything stand in his way. The story shows that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

Comparison to Other Works

Comparing “Small Wonders” to other works of literature provides insights into its unique qualities and explores its place within the literary landscape. Similarities and differences in themes, characters, and writing styles offer a nuanced understanding of the work’s significance.

Themes

• Exploration of Childhood:Like works such as “The Catcher in the Rye” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Small Wonders” delves into the complexities and innocence of childhood.
• Coming-of-Age:The novel shares similarities with “The Great Gatsby” and “The Catcher in the Rye” in its portrayal of characters navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
• Loss and Grief:The theme of loss and its impact on individuals is explored in “Small Wonders,” similar to works like “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and “The Yearling.”

Characters

• Relatable Protagonists:The protagonist, Santiago, shares traits with characters like Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” and Scout Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” making him relatable to readers.
• Diverse Cast:The novel features a diverse cast of characters, reflecting the complexities of human nature, as seen in works like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Canterbury Tales.”
• Memorable Antagonists:The antagonist, El Toro, embodies the destructive forces that can threaten childhood innocence, akin to characters like Bob Ewell in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Tom Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby.”

Writing Styles

• Lyrical and Poetic:The novel’s prose is lyrical and poetic, reminiscent of works like “The Catcher in the Rye” and “The Great Gatsby,” evoking vivid imagery and emotional depth.
• Stream-of-Consciousness:The narrative employs stream-of-consciousness techniques, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions directly, as in works like “Ulysses” and “To the Lighthouse.”
• Symbolism and Metaphor:The novel uses symbolism and metaphor to explore complex themes and create a multilayered narrative, similar to works like “The Great Gatsby” and “Heart of Darkness.”

Commonly Asked Questions: Small Wonders Readworks Answer Key

What is the central conflict in Small Wonders?

The central conflict revolves around the challenges faced by the main characters as they navigate family dynamics, social pressures, and the pursuit of their dreams.

How does the setting contribute to the atmosphere of the story?

The vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings create a sense of tranquility and wonder, while the bustling city life provides a backdrop for the characters’ struggles and triumphs.

What literary devices are employed in Small Wonders?

The author skillfully uses metaphors, similes, and symbolism to enhance the emotional impact of the story and convey deeper meanings.