what is the rising action in the first read The Refusal
In the short story "The Refusal" by Sinclair Ross, the rising action occurs after Alec, the protagonist, receives a job offer to become a bank manager in a small prairie town. The rising action includes his hesitation and uncertainty about accepting the offer and leaving behind his current life in the city. Alec begins to contemplate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the job, including the loss of his independence and connection to nature. He also considers the opinions and expectations of his family, friends, and girlfriend. As he wavers between accepting and refusing the offer, Alec starts to imagine how his life would be if he took the job, ultimately leading to the climax of the story.
"The Refusal" is a short story written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. It revolves around a young Jewish man named Jonathan, who refuses to marry a woman chosen by his mother and seeks a marriage based on love instead. The rising action in the first read of "The Refusal" can be outlined as follows:
1. Introduction of the protagonist: The story begins by introducing Jonathan, his family background, and his status as a bachelor. The reader learns about his mother's desire for Jonathan to get married and have a traditional Jewish family.
2. Mother's insistence: Jonathan's mother, Mrs. Scheindlin, becomes increasingly persistent in finding him a suitable match. She arranges several meetings for him with different eligible women, trying to convince him to marry one of them.
3. Jonathan's rejection of potential matches: As the story progresses, the reader witnesses Jonathan's refusal to enter into any arranged marriage. He expresses his desire to choose a life partner based on love and not societal expectations.
4. Jonathan's growing frustration: Jonathan becomes frustrated with his mother's constant interference in his personal life. His relationships with potential matches, such as Sarah Zorawska and Mrs. Lehrer's daughter, do not progress beyond initial meetings due to his lack of interest.
5. Jonathan's determination: Despite facing pressure from his mother and the community, Jonathan remains determined to find a partner on his own terms. He firmly asserts that he will not succumb to societal norms and marry someone he does not love.
6. Mrs. Scheindlin's failed attempts: Mrs. Scheindlin's attempts to convince Jonathan to accept an arranged marriage ultimately result in disappointment for her. She witnesses Jonathan's continued refusal and defiance, realizing that her efforts are in vain.
These plot developments constitute the rising action in the first read of "The Refusal."
To determine the rising action in a story, you need to carefully read and analyze the text. In the case of "The Refusal," there are several steps you can follow to identify the rising action:
1. Start by understanding the main plot or conflict of the story. "The Refusal" is the first read in a collection, so it might lack a specific title. However, you can establish the plot by examining the events and character actions.
2. Read through the entire story and distinguish the key events that build tension and develop the story. These events should lead up to the climax, which is the highest point of conflict.
3. Look for moments of conflict, complication, or challenges that the main character(s) face. These events will contribute to the rising action. Pay attention to the choices, actions, and reactions of the characters as the story progresses.
4. Consider moments of increased tension or suspense. The rising action generally consists of a series of events that intensify the conflict and move the story towards the climax.
By following these steps and carefully examining the text, you should be able to identify the rising action in "The Refusal." Remember, the rising action is the section of the story that builds up to the climax, and it often involves increasing tension, challenges, and conflicts faced by the characters.