LITERARY SKILLPointing Out How Writers Build a System of Values

In literary texts, there is always a way by which writers build a system of values. To do this, they select words and details in shaping reality.

JOY

JOY

delight

rejoicing

glee

ecstasy

triumph

bliss

What makes you happy as a person?

Vocabulary : wisdom - the quality of having experience, knowledge,

and good judgement; the quality of being wise.

livestock - farm animals regarded as an asset.

orchard - a piece of enclosed land planted with fruit trees glorious shelter - having or deserving glory; famous

flutes - a wind instrument made from a tube with holes that are stopped by the fingers.

harp - a musical instrument consisting of a frame supporting a graduated series of parallel strings, played by plucking with the fingers.

THE JOYS OF HUMAN LIFESirach 18 - 26

Being independently wealthy or working for a living—both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.

A man’s name can be preserved if he has children or if he establishes a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way.

Owning livestock and orchards will make you famous, but is better to have a wife you love.

Wine and music can make you happy, but a happy marriage is even better.Flutes and harps make music, but pleasant voice is better than either.Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as new growth in

the spring.You can’t go wrong with a good friend or neighbor, but an intelligent wife is

better than either.Brothers and helpers are good to have in times of trouble, but will be an even

greater help if you have made a practice of giving to the poor.Gold and silver provide security, but good advice is better.Wealth and strength give confidence, but the fear of the Lord can give you

even greater confidence.WHEN YOU FEAR THE LORD YOU NEED NOTHING MORE; IT IS ALL THE SUPPORT YOU NEED.THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS LIKE A RICH GARDEN OF BLESSINGS; YOU COULD NOT WANT A MORE

GLORIOUS SHELTER.

Questions :1. How would you classify this one, is it a short story or an

essay?2. What contrasting points are presented by the writer?

What word indicates the contrast?3. “Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as

much as new growth in the spring.” What does the writer imply?

4. What does the writer value more? Put a check mark before the letter. Rank the items below according to their importance based on the text with 1 as the most important and 6 as the least important. a. inner beauty b. worldly possessions c. having children d. acquiring wisdom e. fear of God f. gift of strength

5. Do you agree with the writer’s ideas or assertions? Why? Why not?