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Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we'll explore how the prophecy in 'The Great Stone Face' impacts Ernest's journey. What do you think childhood stories or teachings can do for one's future?
I think they can really shape how we see ourselves and our goals!
Yeah, like believing you can be great can actually help you act great!
Exactly! The prophecy serves as a guiding force for Ernest, embedding him with a sense of destiny. Can anyone recall what the prophecy was?
It was that a man would come who looked like the Great Stone Face and would be the greatest person of his time.
Right! Now, how does Ernest's unwavering belief in the prophecy affect his character? Think of a word to describe him.
Faithful! He's always believing in good things.
Great observation! His faith leads him to embody those virtues he wished to see reflected in others. Let’s remember that acronym 'BELIEVE' – Believe, Embody, Live the Ideal Virtues Every day. What does that mean to you?
It means if we want to be great, we have to act great every day!
Exactly! To wrap this session up, the prophecy sets a foundation for Ernest's journey of self-fulfillment. Remember: 'Your beliefs shape your actions!'
Now, who can remind us of some characters that Ernest observes during his life that he thought might fulfill the prophecy?
There was Mr. Gathergold, the merchant with a lot of money.
Right! And what did Ernest notice about him that didn’t match with the Stone Face?
He looked really hard and not kind.
Exactly! Wealth doesn’t make someone noble. What about Old Blood-and-Thunder? What was his defining feature?
He was a general, but he just seemed harsh and battle-hardened.
Correct! Even though he had glory, he lacked the softness of the Stone Face. Let's categorize these characters using the mnemonic 'WAM' – Wealth, Authority, and Might. How did these characters miss embodying those ideals?
They were all missing kindness or peace!
Exactly! Great job. These characters show that greatness comes from character, not status. Always remember, ‘Character Counts!’
Let’s now discuss how Ernest eventually becomes the embodiment of the Great Stone Face. At the end, what happens?
The poet says Ernest looks like the Stone Face!
Correct! What does this reveal about his journey?
It shows he became what he believed in all along.
Exactly! Ernest is a perfect example of the saying, 'Be the change you wish to see.' Do you all remember any specific virtues Ernest cultivated?
Kindness and wisdom!
Yes! It's important to remember that the true measure of greatness comes from within us. To conclude this session, let's take 'BE KIND' as a reminder of what to cultivate daily.
The belief that individuals have a preordained path that shapes their lives.
Achieving one's potential through personal growth and nurturing inner virtues.
The process by which the author conveys the personalities of the characters in the story.
Ernest's unwavering belief in the prophecy motivates him to lead a life of kindness and humility.
Mr. Gathergold's character exemplifies that wealth and success do not define true nobility.
The transformation of Ernest into the embodiment of the Great Stone Face highlights the theme of self-fulfillment through personal virtues.
Stone face high, up on the hill, / Greatness within, wait and fulfill.
Once a man named Ernest believed in a stone face that promised greatness. He lived kindly and humbly, reflecting its virtues, and in the end, became the very embodiment of that ideal.
GREAT: Graciousness, Resilience, Empathy, Aspiration, True self.
FIND: Fulfillment In Noble Deeds.
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What is the central theme of 'The Great Stone Face'?
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Who recognizes Ernest as the true fulfillment of the prophecy?
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A narrative that uses symbolic figures, actions, or representations to convey a deeper moral or political meaning.
A prediction of what will happen in the future, often associated with a divine message.
The quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank.
The achievement or realization of a goal, purpose, or prophecy.
The process through which a character is introduced, advanced, and possibly transformed in a story.
This section explores Nathaniel Hawthorne's allegorical tale 'The Great Stone Face', which investigates themes of destiny, prophecy, and the nature of true greatness through the life of a humble man named Ernest.
In this section, Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Great Stone Face' is presented as an allegorical narrative that examines the life of Ernest, who longs for the fulfillment of a prophecy regarding the appearance of a noble figure resembling a great stone formation. Through the exploration of various characters and their failings, the story emphasizes self-fulfillment, the true nature of greatness, and the spiritual journey towards embodying noble virtues.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Great Stone Face' is a classic allegorical tale that narrates the life of a humble man, Ernest, who is drawn into the collective destiny of his valley, characterized by a prophecy about a remarkable figure resembling the Great Stone Face.
The narrative teaches that greatness is not defined by wealth or fame but through moral strength, kindness, and the cultivation of one's character.