I'll return your compositions on Monday once I confer with Ms. Fraser to ensure we are both interpreting the 9 point scale in the same manner. No one had questions on the multiple choice test so I hope you actually did read all the reasons for your errors and you feel empowered to do better on the next practice test.
I handed out a summary of the various modes of fiction in order to ground the weight of the O'Connor story. You need to know that she is parodying the American dream and parodying social realism so her story is reflecting the changing (breaking up / blowing up) of societal norms (which no longer serve the larger population) You can't simply drive by a poor, naked black child and think it's CUTE!!! or want to put a picture of it on your wall.
Pick up the handout and get the notes from a friend if you were absent today.
Next, we discussed the story, the themes, the language, the repetitions and took notes.
Assignment: Facilitated Discussion--Group Project.
For Monday: Start reading the stories in the list below. You need to have them all read by Tuesday but you will have all of Monday's class to read as well (65 minutes) You know how quickly you read so you will know how much time you'll need to get the stories read. Read them quickly so you know what happens and why but we will study them in more depth starting next Thursday.
Read:
A Worn Path page 112
The House on Mango Street 235
The Found Boat 277
The Chrysanthemums 347
Araby 387
The Horse Dealer's Daughter 391
The Yellow Wallpaper 491
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings 486
The Lottery 196
Criteria for the presentations
Introduce the author, era, mode of fiction
Point out key passages which demonstrate your close reading of the text
Bring something to our attention we wouldn't notice without your expertise
Surprise yourself -- make the story make you question!
Ask the class questions you can't find an answer to
Any opinion you offer us must be supported by evidence from the text
I'll give you a rubric for your presentations.
