This poem about Saint Bridget,
who lived in Ireland about 1500 years ago and was famous for
giving to the poor, shows us another side to a saint's perfect
life. The first lines tell us that her family found her to be
just a little difficult to live with! Find out why when you
meet Bridget!
Instruction:
Read
"The Giveaway," by Phyllis McGinley.
When you come across an unfamiliar word or phrase, look at
the lines surrounding it for clues. Keep the setting of the
poem in mind too: Ireland, 1500 years ago.
For each sentence,
explain what you think the italicized phrase means in this
poem? How do you know?
Read each sentence carefully. There
is a phrase or expression in red italics.
Look for other words or phrases in the surrounding it that are
clues to what the phrase or expression means.
There are two parts to each short answer.
Set up your answer like this:
Example:
She'd give her bowl
Of stirabout;
Ready? Try these:
"She'd give her shawl, Divide her purse
With
one or all."
"An easy
touch
For poor and lowly,
She gave so much . . .
"The countryside Put on her name .
. . "
"Who had the patience of a saint,
From evidence presented here?
Saint Bridget? Or her near and dear?"
How did you do? Did you earn a score of 6?
That's pretty good! If you earned a score of 7 or 8, you are really
using context clues well! Way to go!!
