Third Questions for EN 190/190HM After Midterm

Good afternoon :)

While I'm waiting in my office, I'd like to send around a photo of the presentation cluster that we worked on as well as the readings and questions for Tuesday.  I am sending Juan's photo of the board since it is smaller and therefore easier on your inboxes.

For readings, let's reread ch. 8 on style, tone, and irony, focusing on the stories "The Story of an Hour" and "Araby" as well as "Saboteur" (347).

I will be handing out the assignment sheets for the next paper & the presentation.

These are the questions:

-- Which topic would you like to present on?  Why?

-- Which topic would you like to write about for the next paper?  Why?

-- Choose one of the topics we discussed in class: the relative importance of character and plot in Alexie's stories, the effect of flashbacks in his stories, and the effect of setting (time, place, cultural context/history) in his stories.  Then expand on our discussion.

-- Compare one of Alexie's stories to one of the other stories we've read ("Love in LA," "The Red Convertible," "Everyday Use," "Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?," "Today's Demon: Magic, "Cigarette," "Here," "The Story of an Hour," and "Araby") or to Fences or Crossing the Border.

-- Why are Alexie's stories worth including in EN 190?

-- "The Story of An Hour" is in 3rd person omniscient.  How does this type of narration affect your understanding of the story?

-- Discuss the impact of style, tone, and irony in "The Story of An Hour."  For example, note the shortness of the last two paragraphs in the story.  How do they affect your understanding of the story and its ending?

-- "Araby" is the 1st person narration of a man looking back on his youth.  How does this affect our understanding of his story?

-- Discuss the ending of the story.  Why does he regard himself the way he does?  Does it seem to be justified to you?  Why?  Why not?

I am going to stop now.  See you in class on Tuesday.

Dr. Szlyk