James ThurberJames ThurberDec. 8, 1894–Nov. 2, 1961Dec. 8, 1894–Nov. 2, 1961

Mr. DavisMr. DavisENG IENG I

8-21-20128-21-2012

LifeLifeThurber was born in Columbus, Ohio to Charles L. Thurber and Mary Agnes (Mame) Fisher Thurber.

His father is said to have been the inspiration for the small, timid protagonist typical of many of his stories.

Thurber describes his mother as a "born comedienne" and "one of the finest comic talents I think I have ever known."

LifeLifeThurber had two brothers, William and Robert.

Once, while playing a game of William Tell, his brother William shot James in the eye with an arrow.

Because of the lack of medical technology, Thurber lost his eye.

LifeLifeIn his lifetime, Thurber worked at the American Embassy in Paris, France during WWI.

He also attended the Ohio State University and wrote for the Saturday Evening Post.

He is famous for his short stories as well as drawing cartoons.

““The Secret Life of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”Walter Mitty”

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is one of Thurber’s most notable stories.

It features an ordinary man who escapes life through his various fantasies.

The short story was also made into a 1947 film, starring Danny Kaye as the title character.

QuotesQuotes"Why do you have to be

a nonconformist like everybody else?"

"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."

"You can fool too many of the people too much of the time."

Books

Books

Books

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CartoonsCartoons

ReferencesReferenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Thurber

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Walter_Mitty

Reading GuideRemember: these notes will be turn

in for a grade.Be sure to complete all questions/directions.

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

Vocabulary Terms1. Distraught (adj.): troubled or confused.

Ex. She was distraught over losing her wallet.

2. Insolent (adj): boldly disrespectful. Ex. Her insolent words offended the guests.

3. Inscrutable (adj): baffling; mysterious.Ex. No one has ever solved the puzzle of his inscrutable personality.

Consider As You Read: (You will turn this in)1. What is the SETTING of the story: 2. Who is the protagonist? What kind of

person is the protagonist?3. Summarize the theme or central idea of this

short story:4. Identify a sentence or short passage that

states or strongly implies the theme:5. List at least FIVE words with which you are

unfamiliar or questions about the text. It can be any combination of the two. Make sure they are answered in your notes.

Review: “Walter Mitty”Do questions 1-4 (all parts), #5a and #7

b. on p. 130.Be sure to answer ALL parts of the

question.You do not have to re-write the question,

but be sure that you RESTATE the question in your answer.

Higher-level responses! THINK! Don’t just breeze through these—they will help you in the future!

“Walter Mitty” Review1. What is the SETTING of the

story: 2. Who is the protagonist?

What kind of person is the protagonist?

3. Summarize the theme or central idea of this short story:

4. Identify a sentence or short passage that states or strongly implies the theme:

5. List at least FIVE words with which you are unfamiliar or questions about the text. It can be any combination of the two. Make sure they are answered in your notes.

Do questions 1-5 (all parts) and #7 b. on p. 130.

Be sure to answer ALL parts of the question.

You do not have to re-write the question, but be sure that you RESTATE the question in your answer.

Higher-level responses! THINK! Don’t just breeze through these—they will help you in the future!