Questions for 10/3 in EN 190/190HM

Above is a photo of Alabama quilter Mozell Benson.  For more about her and her work, see these links:http://www.arts.state.al.us/actc/1/listserverindividual/20120729mozellbenson.htm

http://arts.gov/honors/heritage/fellows/mozell-benson?id=2001_02&type=bio


 Good afternoon :)

 I wanted to make sure that I sent off the assignment sheet for the next piece of writing, the expanded response fiction, this afternoon.  I know that I haven't started looking over everyone's expanded response to drama, but one has to start somewhere.  Also, I would like to start setting up the study guide for the midterm this afternoon.

For Thursday, please read chapter 7, which is actually about setting and symbol.  We will continue with "Everyday Use" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been," and I may quickly wrap up point of view.

Here are a few quick questions for you.

-- Choosing among the following course themes (family, coming of age, race in America, gender), which readings (stories, graphic fiction, or plays) would you pair?  Why?  

-- What are the advantages and disadvantages to taking a thematic approach to EN 190?  Why?  

-- Choose one of the readings we've had so far.  What appears to be its theme (full sentence)?  why?  How does determining this theme help you understand the reading?

-- Of the stories we've looked at so far, which would be best to perform on stage?  Why?

-- Of the stories we've looked at so far, which would be best to film?  Why?

-- What do you think happens to Connie after the story ends?  Why?

-- Here is a link to the story "Why I Live at the P.O.":  http://art-bin.com/art/or_weltypostoff.html  How does the first-person narration shape this story?  Is she reliable or unreliable?  Why?  Why not?

-- Choose one of the stories we've read.  How does setting (time or place) shape it?  

-- Trace the presence and effects of atmosphere in one of the stories we've read so far.

-- Choose one of the stories we've read.  Pick out a striking image.  Is it a symbol?  Or is it simply what it is?  Why?  Why not?

-- How does reading for symbols make a story more interesting?

-- Discuss the use of third person narration in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" and "Hills Like White Elephants."

-- Discuss the use of dialogue in "Girl" and "Hills Like White Elephants" as well as "Cigarettes."

I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what you have to say!

Dr. Szlyk