Reference no: EM134014602
Question 1
How would you describe the plot of the short story? To answer this question, you must look back at Freytag's Pyramid in the book (p. 82-84): What parts of the plot are significant and why? Use the terms you learned, like exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and conclusion. What is important about the pacing or the conflicts?
Question 2
Describe the narration and POV of the short story. Is the narrator 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person (omniscient or limited)? Is the narrator reliable? Look at the questions on p. 173 as you write responses.
Question 3
What are some observations you made about how characters in the story are constructed and how we learn about their characteristics? Review at the questions on p. 216-17 as you respond. In particular, think about how 1-2 characters grow, change, or evolve-the character's arc of development or growth.
Question 4
Consider the setting-the where and the when. How is the setting important? Be sure to pay attention to the questions on p. 283 as you respond. How does the setting play a role in the story? Is the setting integral to any conflicts or themes?
Question 5
Think carefully about the use of symbolism and/or figurative language. You'll need to refer to the chapter on pp. 361-65 to recall some of the literary terms, so you can explore how they're used. Also review the questions on pp. 365).
Question 6
All of the elements of fiction that you responded to above help contribute to developing the themes of the short story. What themes emerge? How do the other elements of fiction that you've just written about play a part in creating the themes you see? Review the material on pp. 424-28 for ideas on how to respond.
Question 7
Consider all of the above elements of fiction that you've just written about in relation to the story you picked. Focus your thoughts about the most compelling things about the short story that you connect with. Provide several working thesis statements. It's not unusual to brainstorm three, four, or more working thesis statements as you try to determine what exactly you want to say about the story. Remember a thesis must be something arguable that you set out to prove in the essay.
Question 8
Think about having at least three topics that you want to focus that will help you prove your thesis. What will the topic of each body paragraph be? Provide three different topics and at least two possible supporting points for each topic that will help you provide evidence to support your essay. Remember, this is all prewriting to help you develop Essay 1. (Example topic for a body paragraph using "The Story of an Hour." Topic: The limited, third-person point of view of the narrator in "The Story of an Hour," helps shape the reader's understanding of Mrs. Mallard's psychological state as the story unfolds.)