Ellen Foster

Kaye Gibbons' Ellen Foster

Pre-writing (in your notebook, don't have to submit)
Jot down responses to the following questions in preparation for class discussion.

It will help you to look for specific evidence (scenes, sentences, especially repeated words, phrases, images, symbols etc.).

1. Describe the characters: what are their basic traits, their strengths, weaknesses, fears, dreams etc.
2. Where does the story unfold? How does that add to the film?
3. What happens? Which do you think are the 6 most important events and why?
4. Using the Singley and/or Campbell definitions of the hero's journey (see journal 2), argue whether or not the novel qualifies as an initiation story.
5. Compare these characters to those we've met in the literature. What do they have in common? How do their experiences differ?

Extra Credit

As of February 1999, the Modern Language Association (MLA) recognizes only one scholarly article about Ellen Foster. Read the article carefully and complete the following:

Makowsky's argues that .
I agree with Makowsky on
I disagree with her analysis of because .

When you've answered the above questions, write a 300-350 word essay in which you:

write an introduction in which you show your understanding of Makowsky's argument.

end your introduction with a statement like the following level- three thesis (you must fill in the blanks)

Although Makowsky effectively argues that. . . ; she fails to realize that. . . .

spend the rest of the essay developing & defending your new and insightful approach to the novel using the insight you've gained about children's experiences. As usual, find patterns in the text that you consider important; furthermore, do not forget to actually use quotations from the novel to support your ideas. Remember: analyze! Do not summarize. Feel free to research your topic using sociological, psychological etc. resources. I've given you some relevant www links below. I've put materials on reserve too.

To really get depressed: listen to "Butterfly Kisses" (scroll down the page for lyrics & song links)

Relevant Links

Ellen Foster on the WWW

Children's Defense Fund

see also their Links for Child Advocates
articles by Marian Wright Edelman
"A Prayer for Children" by Marian Wright Edelman
Marian Wright Edelman's Commencement Speech, UNC May 17, 1998 (text version)
Marian Wright Edelman's Commencement Speech, UNC May 17, 1998 (audio version)

National Foster Parent Association
Foster Parent Links of Interest
The Foster Care Project

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Center
Domestic Violence & Abuse Links
Domestic Violence Hotlines and Resources
Family Violence Awareness Page

Bereavement Resources
Counseling for Loss and Life Change
The Rainbow Bridge (children's story)

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (excellent resource)
Just for Kids
Alcohilism.Net
National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency

PLEASE make sure you do the following BEFORE you submit your journal:

provide a solid thesis statement (claim with reasons)
organize your ideas using the mountain/soda can analogy
demonstrate your paragraph competence (argumentative topic sentences, focused on one aspect, supported with persuasive evidence, etc.)
demonstrate stylistic maturity. Remember, as of this paper, the "I stop reading after 5 style errors rule" applies). So, consult the style checklist during your final revisions.
add a Works Cited page for any fictional or critical work(s) you cite.
don't forget a zippy title

What happens to our understanding of Ellen Foster if we think of it in light of this song?

Butterfly Kisses
Written by Bob Carlisle & Randy Thomas

There's two things I know for sure.
She was sent here from heaven,
and she's daddy's little girl.

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,
she talks to Jesus, and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all of the joy in
my life, But most of all, for...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.

Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk beside the pony
daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny,
daddy, but I sure tried."

Oh, with all that I've done wrong,
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning,
And butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet sixteen today,
She's looking like her momma
a little more everyday.
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and makeup,
form ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings out in a great
big world. But I remember...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.

Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you daddy,
But if you don't mind,
I'm only going to kiss you on
the cheek this time."

With all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning,
And butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by
Precious butterfly
Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise,
and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride room
just staring at her,
she asked me what I'm thinking,
and I said "I'm not sure,
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
Then she leaned over....and gave me....

Butterfly kisses, with her mama there

Sticking little flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, daddy, it's just about time"
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, daddy?"
"Daddy, don't cry."

With all that I've done wrong, I must have done
something right
To deserve her love every morning,
And butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more, man, this is what love is
I know I've gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses...

Link to Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses" (song & video)
"Butterfly Kisses" (plays the entire song)
"Butterfly Kisses" (can download it)