Respond to ONE of the following questions. Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses:
Respond in a well-organized essay. Your answer should be written in complete sentences. (16 pts)
(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.
(c) In the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the major theme is the danger of blindly following tradition. This theme is introduced in the opening of the story when the villagers gather for the lottery, a ritual that has been practiced for generations. The author develops this theme by showing how the villagers are so accustomed to the lottery that they do not question it, even when it leads to a violent outcome. The characters’ dialogue also reveals their acceptance of the lottery as a tradition, with one character saying, “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.” The author further develops the theme by showing how the villagers’ blind adherence to tradition leads to a tragic outcome. The climax of the story is when Tessie Hutchinson is chosen as the lottery’s “winner” and is stoned to death by the other villagers. This violent act serves as a stark reminder of the danger of blindly following tradition. The story ends with the villagers continuing the lottery, showing that they have not learned from the tragedy. Through the plot, characters, and dialogue, the author effectively develops the theme of the danger of blindly following tradition.
(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.
Theme: The theme of personal growth and self-discovery through challenging experiences.
In the short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber, the author develops the theme of personal growth and self-discovery through various elements of the story. The theme is evident as the protagonist, Walter Mitty, undergoes a transformation and gains a newfound sense of self-confidence and independence.
The author introduces the theme of personal growth from the very beginning of the story when Walter's wife scolds him for daydreaming, implying that he is lacking something in his life. As the narrative progresses, Walter escapes into his daydreams, where he becomes a hero and embarks on thrilling adventures, displaying his desire for something more fulfilling.
Throughout the story, Walter is faced with external conflicts that push him out of his comfort zone and force him to confront his own limitations. For instance, when he drives his wife to the hair salon, he imagines himself as a skilled surgeon performing a life-saving surgery, highlighting his yearning for excitement and significance. These imagined scenarios symbolize Walter's inner desire to break free from his monotonous life and discover his true potential.
Furthermore, Walter's interactions with other characters in the story contribute to his personal growth. For instance, his encounter with the parking attendant, where he has an internal dialogue filled with courage and self-assurance, shows his increasing confidence and determination. The author uses dialogue and character development to emphasize Walter's transformation from a timid and submissive individual to someone who is more assertive and self-assured.
Another important element that underscores the theme of personal growth is the plot events themselves. Each daydream Walter enters serves as an escape from his mundane reality, allowing him to explore different aspects of himself and experience a sense of liberation. These daydreams, although fantasy, serve as catalysts for Walter's personal growth, shaping his perception of the world and his place within it.
In conclusion, James Thurber's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" develops the theme of personal growth and self-discovery through various means such as plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. The protagonist's journey of breaking free from his monotonous life and embracing his inner potential showcases the transformative power of challenging experiences. Through the story, the author encourages readers to believe in themselves and embrace opportunities for personal development and self-discovery.
(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.
One major theme that is developed throughout the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is the theme of blindly following tradition without questioning it. In this story, the theme of blindly following tradition without questioning it is depicted through various plot events, character development, and dialogue.
Firstly, the plot events of the story contribute to the development of this theme. The story takes place in a small village where every year, the residents gather for a lottery. The lottery involves drawing slips of paper, and the person who gets the paper with a black spot is stoned to death by the village members. The plot event of the lottery itself shows how the tradition is blindly followed without any apparent reason or justification. The villagers participate in the lottery year after year, without questioning its purpose or considering its effects.
Secondly, the characters in the story also contribute to the development of this theme. The character of Mr. Summers, who conducts the lottery, represents the blind adherence to tradition. He is shown as a respected figure in the community, and despite the grave nature of the lottery, he carries out his duties without any hesitation or inquiry into its consequences. The other villagers also display a similar mindset, as they participate in the lottery without questioning its morality or looking for alternatives.
Moreover, the dialogue in the story further reinforces the theme of blindly following tradition. Throughout the story, the characters engage in conversations about the lottery. Their conversations are filled with casual remarks and banter, as if the act of stoning another person to death is a regular and acceptable part of their lives. This casual and nonchalant approach to the lottery highlights their blind acceptance of the tradition without critically evaluating its purpose or impact.
In addition to plot events, character development, and dialogue, other story elements such as symbolism and setting contribute to the development of this theme. The use of the black box, which holds the slips of paper, symbolizes the tradition itself and the blind obedience that the villagers have towards it. The setting, a small village, emphasizes the insular nature of the community and their resistance to change or progress.
In conclusion, the author, Shirley Jackson, effectively develops the theme of blindly following tradition without questioning it in the short story "The Lottery" through various story elements. The plot events, character development, dialogue, and other elements all contribute to depicting the unquestioning adherence to the annual lottery ritual. Through this theme, the story serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to critically evaluate and question the traditions and customs they encounter in society.
(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.
One of the major themes in the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is the idea of individual choices and their impact on a person's life. Throughout the poem, Frost explores this theme through various literary devices and story elements.
The poem begins with the speaker coming across a forked road while traveling. The two paths represent the choices individuals face in life. The speaker expresses his desire to take both paths, but ultimately chooses one. This decision to take the less traveled path becomes a metaphor for making unconventional choices and taking a different path in life.
The author develops this theme through the description of the paths themselves. He states that the road the speaker chooses to take is "grassy and wanted wear." This suggests that taking the unconventional path requires effort and going against the norm. Frost also uses imagery to describe the path as being "worn...black," indicating that it is less traveled.
Furthermore, Frost uses the concept of regret to emphasize the importance of the choices we make. The speaker acknowledges that in the future, he will look back on his decision and wonder what would have happened if he had chosen differently. This creates a sense of reflection and contemplation, highlighting the significance of individual choices.
Additionally, the author develops the theme through the tone of the poem. The speaker expresses a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity, suggesting that the outcome of one's choices is often unknown. This reinforces the idea that making individual choices can be both liberating and intimidating.
In conclusion, the theme of individual choices and their impact on a person's life is developed throughout the poem "The Road Not Taken" through the use of metaphor, imagery, and tone. The author effectively conveys the significance of making unconventional choices and highlights the idea that one's chosen path can shape their future.