• Front cover of The Portrait, a Grade 12 literature packet from Cornerstone Academics
  • How to Use This Literature Packet page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Literary Analysis study page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Character Constellation instruction page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Cornerstone Story Arc instruction page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Socratic discussion questions page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Classical Practice exercises page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
  • Parent answer key page from The Portrait, Grade 12 literature packet
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Cornerstone Academics

The Portrait

Grade 12·Digital download (PDF)
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The Portrait — Catharina Bout comes to the fourth sitting in Delft in 1660 on a November Thursday, bringing what she has brought to all three before it — a composed stillness that the painter Hendrick de Vries has been trying to paint since the first sitting and has not yet caught. He tells her: I have seen your face when it is not doing anything. He is trying to paint that face. The story is about what the fourth sitting becomes when he says so.

Each packet includes:

  • Original classical short story (complete text)
  • Notes on historical setting and literary tradition
  • Narration prompts (oral and written)
  • Comprehension questions — literal and inferential
  • Vocabulary exercises
  • Character Constellation graphic organizer (including Character Change Axis)
  • Story Arc study (five movements, with attention to subtler turning points)
  • Theme & Meaning questions
  • Socratic discussion questions
  • Literary Analysis (tone, diction, imagery, symbolism, contrast, motif, irony, structure, turning points, foreshadowing, allusion, narrative lens, narrative distance, narrative restraint)
  • Copywork and memory work
  • Optional writing prompts (reflective, explanatory, creative, analytical)
  • Complete parent answer key
  • Standards alignment

Written for Grade 12. Suitable for Grades 11–12 with guidance. This packet is available as a digital download only.

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Amazing! I love writing and want my children to also develope appreciation for it as well, this curriculum will help cultivate that.
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We are so grateful for Serena! Her patience, kindness, and creative approach to teaching have made learning a wonderful experience for our family. She takes the time to understand how each child learns best and tailors every lesson to keep them engaged and excited. We have seen incredible growth not only in our child’s academic progress, but also in his confidence and love for learning. We could not ask for a better teacher!

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Serena is a wonderful teacher who treats every student with kindness, fairness, and respect. She encourages her students to challenge themselves and do their best, and she keeps parents well informed about their child’s progress. We truly appreciate her dedication and support.

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