1. Discuss how Mrs. Mallard’s OR Calixta’s behavior in “The Story of an Hour” and “The Storm” directly contradicted the roles/norms established for women during the 19th century.
This response should be 1-2 paragraphs.
2. Select two examples of music from “Sonny’s Blues” and analyze how this music functions within the story (some examples include the street revival, the whistling boy, the jukebox scene, and, of course, the final scene..) For example, does the music communicate emotions? Enhance the tension of a particular scene? Provide solace? Provide a means of survival? Unite characters?
This response should be two paragraphs.
3.In an interview, T.C. Boyle, author of “Greasy Lake” has said that the narrator wants to cry at the end of the story “because something has been revealed to him about the nature of life.” Discuss what you feel has been revealed to the narrator.
This response should be 1-2 paragraphs.
4. Essay Question: (60 points): Select one poem that was explored in our discussion boards, ( either “Facing it” or “Mother to Son”). Discuss two to three literary elements of the poem, closing with a discussion of theme (two elements is the minimum). In other words, writers will discuss how these literary devices function within the poem to enrich meaning. The terms to be discussed will be dictated by the poem (for example, not every poet uses the same technique, so your choice of terms will be determined by what poem you choose). Some possibilities of literary devices to be discussed: tone of voice of speaker (which gives the poem its overall “feel” or “mood”–this tone can shift and change as the poem unfolds–think in terms of adjectives to describe shifting tones); sensory imagery; any usage of figurative language (i.e similes, metaphors, symbolism–these can be used to enhance imagery!); sound devices, choice of diction to create a voice/dialect, irony, etc. Integrate direct textual support from poem, following the MLA formatting explained on p. 1 of this assignment criteria sheet. Proofread your response carefully.
Some ideas for inspiration?: Discuss the similes and metaphors (their relevance, effect, intention) within “First Love.” Close with a discussion of theme/message of poem.
–Discuss the metaphors and shifting tone of voice within the poem for “How Does a Man Write a Poem.” Close with a discussion of theme.
–For “Mother to Son,” discuss the dialect created for the speaker of the poem through the poet’s selected diction as well as the various figurative language within the poem (i.e. the metaphor of the crystal staircase; the symbolism of the tacks, splinters, etc.) Close with a discussion of theme.
–For “Facing It,” discuss either the similes or metaphors (or both) of the poem as well as the dual meaning of the poem’s title. Close with a discussion of theme.
This response should be 4-5 paragraphs. A suggested organization: A short Intro paragraph with thesis; two body paragraphs discussing each literary element (those students who opt to discuss three elements would then have three body paragraphs); a closing paragraph reiterating thesis and discussing theme(s).
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