The Wise Man

This question has two parts. Answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

How do the actions of the old man’s friends contribute to the theme of the story?

• They want to celebrate with the old man.

• They jump to conclusions about what events are blessings and misfortunes.

• They are glad because the old man’s son does not have to go to war.

• They are confused by the old man’s happiness.

Which detail from the folktale best supports the answer to Part A?

• “The old man’s friends offered their condolences. ‘We are so sorry about this unfortunate incident,’ they said.”

• “The old man’s friends were stunned by his reaction.”

• “Some months later, the old man’s horse returned, bringing with it a stallion of great worth.”

• “A group of soldiers came to the old man’s house to recruit his son.”

Use the graphic organizer below to organize your ideas and evidence.

Characters

Use the graphic organizer below to organize your ideas and evidence.

Setting

Use the graphic organizer below to organize your ideas and evidence.

Character Experiences

Use the graphic organizer below to organize your ideas and evidence.

Theme

Short Response: Use the information in your organizer to determine the theme of the folktale. Use details from the passage to support your response.

HINT: Be sure to say how the old man responds to events and interacts with his friends.

Answer explanation

The theme of the folktale, “The Wise Man” is sometimes bad events can turn into blessings. Both the events and the old man’s responses develop the theme. For example, his friends say, “We are sorry about the unfortunate incident.” His friends are telling him they are sorry his horse ran away. Then his horse returns with a stallion, which was good. However, his son goes to ride the stallion and falls off of it and breaks his leg. The Old Man's response, "What makes you think this is not a blessing? All will be shown for its true worth in time.” Lastly, a terrible war comes to their country and when the soldiers try to recruit his son they can’t. In conclusion, the Old Man son's life was saved by events that seemed bad but worked out for the best by the end.