— Short Story Analysis
Description
“The Burglar’s Christmas” is a short story written by Willa Cather, published under the pseudonym Elizabeth L. Seymour.
This story is a retelling of the parable from the Bible, specifically found in Luke 15:11-32, known as “The Prodigal Son.” Students will analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work.
“The Burglar’s Christmas” illustrates themes of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
This resource includes:
- Before Reading activating strategy
- Academic vocabulary
- Full text of “The Burglar’s Christmas”
- Reading comprehension and literary analysis questions
- Figurative Language practice activity
- Full text of “The Prodigal Son”
- Venn Diagram Comparison of “The Burglar’s Christmas” and “The Prodigal Son”
- After Reading discussion questions
- Answer keys