Questions for 7/23 -- EN 190 Summer II 2012

Above is a picture of a house near where "Bad Neighbors" is set.  I believe that 1400 8th NW would be in the Shaw neighborhood.

Good evening :)

Just a reminder that our midterm is Thursday, the second paper and journals are due Friday, and the play is Saturday.  If you weren't sure whether or not you'd attend, please let me know what you've decided.  Thank you!

For tomorrow, we will read Sherman Alexie's three stories ("This is What It Means," "The Lone Ranger," and "Somebody") and apply what we've learned about the elements of fiction.  We may also discuss "The Christmas Pies."

Here are a few questions for you:

 -- Apply one of the elements we've discussed to one of our readings for tomorrow.  

-- Apply Burke's Motives to one of our readings for tomorrow or to one of our short stories.  The five parts of this method follow:  act (what happened), actor (who performed the act), scene (where/when), agency (how -- narration & style), and motives (why--author & characters).

-- In your opinion, which is the most interesting element of fiction?  why?

-- Compare two of the stories we've discussed or read.  How are they different?  How are they similar?  How do they shed light on each other?

-- Which trends do you see emerging in our examination of fiction?  why?

-- Of the stories we've read, which would be worth staging?  why?  How would it/they be different?

-- How do our authors work with archetypes (symbols that have meaning across culture)?  How do they make them interesting to you as a reader?

-- Do you prefer symbols to be surprising and unique or to be universal?    Why?

-- How do symbols help you enjoy literature?

-- How do our authors work with literary symbols (surprising and different symbols)?  How do these symbols make you look at the world or the story in a new way?

-- How do our authors use word choices or diction to create character and setting and/or make the narrative more believable?  

-- How do our authors use sentence structure and/or rhythm to keep you interested?

-- How do our authors use irony?

-- How do our authors use dialogue?

See you in class!

Dr. Szlyk