Practice - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Name
Legends are stories that come down from the past, based on the
traditions of a people or region. The hero is the main character
in a legend, who often does something brave to help others.
Personification is the assignment of human characteristics to an
animal, a thing, or an idea.
Read the following passage from “How Poison Came into the
World.” Answer the questions on the lines provided.
Practice
Literary Element:
Hero, Personification
Long ago, when the Earth was young, the Choctaw people loved to swim
in the cool waters on the bayou. But the Choctaw had to be very careful when
swimming because a poisonous plant grew in the heart of the bayou. This
plant lived below the surface of the water, so swimmers could not see it until
it was too late.
The plant, however, did not want to hurt his friends the Choctaw. As more
people fell ill, the poor plant became sadder and sadder. Finally, he decided
to give away his poison. The plant called the chiefs of the wasps and snakes
to meet with him. He asked them to take his poison.
1. Who is the hero in “How Poison Came into the World”? Explain your answer.
2. How is the plant personifi ed?
3. How does the legend refl ect a certain region or people?
4. What sacrifi ce do you think the plant will make?
5. What is the point of this legend?
At Home: Think about “How Poison Came into the World” and
draw a picture from the legend. Share your picture with a family
member or helper, and tell him or her what the legend explains.
Rattlers! • Grade 5/Unit 2
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