English 2A:
Respond to ONE of the following questions:
(a) Define the term conflict as it relates to literature and explain its importance in narrative writing. Briefly describe the different types of internal and external conflict. Then choose ONE short story or poem you read for this course. Explain how the author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict in this narrative.
(b) Recall what you have learned about different genres, or types, of narratives and how to analyze a narrative. Then choose ONE short story you read for this course. State the author’s purpose for writing the story (to inform or explain, to describe, to persuade, or to entertain) and summarize the main idea. Briefly discuss the techniques the author used (such as figurative language or metaphor). Evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in achieving the author’s purpose.
(c) Identify a major theme in ONE of the stories or poems you read for this course. State the theme in a complete sentence. Then explain how the author develops this theme throughout the story or poem through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements.
Feel free to use one of the following fill-ins to copy/paste/fill-in for the matching above:
(a) When it relates to literature, the term conflict is defined as [...]. Internal conflict is [...]; external conflict is [...]. Conflict is important in narrative writing because [...]. Take, for example, the short story/poem I read in English 2 titled “[...].” The author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict in this piece by using [choose one: internal/external] conflict. To introduce conflict, the author wrote “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. To develop conflict, the author wrote, “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. To resolve the conflict, the author wrote, “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. In conclusion, conflict is a vital element of literature.
(b) The selection I read in English 2 titled “[...]” is a great example of the narrative genre. To summarize the story, it’s about [...]. The author’s purpose for writing was to [choose one: inform, explain, describe, persuade, or to entertain]. The author used a couple of writing techniques to accomplish this, including [choose two: figurative language, metaphor, etc.]. For example, writing the words “[...]” illustrated the first; in addition, writing the words “[...]” showcased the second (page number range). Overall, these techniques [choose one: were/weren’t] effective in achieving the author’s purpose because [...].
(c) In English 2, we read a selection titled “[...].” When analyzing its main theme, it is clear the universal message is: [...]. The author develops this theme through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. For example, plot events showed this theme when [...] (page number). Additionally, characters illustrated this theme through their [choose one: words, thoughts, or actions], such as when [...] (page number). Lastly, dialogue addressed this theme when [...] said, “[...]” (page number). Overall, the author crafted work which taught a lesson about [...].
The Books are these >>> ( sorted by unit)
1. The Literature of the Americas
2. Aztec Creation Story
3. Emancipation
4. The Tourist Center
5. Day of the Butterfly
6. No Dogs Bark
7. Crossroads: A Sad Vaudeville
8. The Literature of the Americas Unit Review
2. The Literature of the Americas II
1. Love after Love
2. When Greek Meets Greek
3. Girls Can We Educate We Dads? and In Trying Times
4. The Youngest Doll
6. The Third Bank of the River
7. The Book of Sand
8. The Censors
9. Tonight I Can Write and Serenity
10. And of Clay Are We Created
4. Europe I
1. The Divine Comedy
2. First Confession
3. Poems on Life and Death
5. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
6. The Destructors: Part 1
7. The Destructors: Part 2
8. The Guitar and Poor Fish
5. Europe II
1. The Black Sheep: Calvino, The Balek Scales: Boll
2. The Last Judgment: Capek
3. A Contribution to Statistics; And Yet the Books
5. The Rhinoceros: Part 1
6. The Rhinoceros: Part 2
7. Three Poems: Transtromer, Pasternak, Voznesensk
8. Forbidden Fruit
6. Africa
1. Sunjata Part 1
2. Sunjata Part 2 and Africa
3. Black Girl: Part 1
4. Black Girl: Part 2
5. Three Pieces: Senghor, Soyinka, Achebe
7. In the Shadow of War
8. Loyalties and A Meeting in the Dark Part 1
9. A Meeting in the Dark Part 2
10. The Pig
11. No Witchcraft for Sale
12. The Moment Before the Gun Went Off
13. The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses
(c) One major theme in the story "The Pig" is the destructive nature of revenge. Throughout the story, the author develops this theme through various plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. The author shows this theme through the character of Lena, who seeks revenge on her neighbor Mrs. Strangeworth by poisoning her pig. This act of revenge ultimately leads to devastating consequences for Lena.
In terms of plot events, the author illustrates the theme of revenge through Lena's decision to poison the pig. This action is driven by Lena's desire to get back at Mrs. Strangeworth for spreading rumors about her. The author also includes a scene where the pig becomes sick and eventually dies, further emphasizing the destructive nature of Lena's revenge.
Character development also plays a significant role in developing the theme of revenge. Lena's actions and motivations reveal her vindictive nature and her willingness to stoop to extreme measures to seek revenge. Additionally, the author portrays Mrs. Strangeworth as a somewhat malicious and gossipy character, which adds to Lena's desire for revenge.
Dialogue is another story element that contributes to the development of the theme. Lena and Mrs. Strangeworth's interactions showcase the tensions and animosity between them, further escalating the desire for revenge. Their conversations are filled with passive-aggressive remarks and veiled threats, highlighting the destructive nature of their relationship.
Overall, the author effectively develops the theme of revenge in "The Pig" through the use of plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of seeking vengeance.