Assignment

Directions for Response Paper 1:

We have read four stories thus far in this course. Choose only one of the stories to write about. Please do not write about more than one story-I do not want to read a comparison/contrast paper about two stories. I also do not want to read a paper that merely sums up what we've said in class.

There are three topics listed below to choose from. Choose only ONE of the topics to discuss in your paper. Write 300-400 words. You may go a little bit over 400 if necessary, but no more than 420 words. You may not write fewer than 300. You must list the word count at the top of your paper (see "About Format). Do not include the heading or your title in the word count.

About Format: Please double space your paper. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Indent your paragraphs. Do not have extra space between paragraphs in your paper. Insert page numbers, along with your last name at the top right. At the top left of the first page only, put your full name (first and last); ENGL 215 and your section number (ENGL 215-3 or ENGL 215-4); the date; and the word Topic, followed by the corresponding letter of the topic you've chosen (Topic A, Topic B, or Topic C). Put the word count under your topic after the phrase Word Count (i.e., Word Count: 360).

You must create an original title for your paper. It needs to be placed at the top in the center.

Topic A: Analyze the setting or place of one of the stories:

Discuss the setting of one of the stories. This can include the time and place of the story. It can also include the surroundings, both physical and social and the social class of the characters. Describe the setting of the story and explain how this setting affects the plot. How does it affect the characters? You may want to think about how the story might have been different if the setting had been different. What might be unusual or special about the place the characters find themselves in? What types of attitudes, feelings, or memories might the setting trigger in the characters? Are they different for different characters? Does a character have conflicting attitudes towards a particular setting? You may discuss multiple settings if the story contains more than one setting (i.e., "A Good Man is Hard to Find"). Always ask yourself "Why?" and "How do I know this?" when analyzing character attitudes towards place in a story.

Topic B: Analyze a motif used in one of the stories:

A motif is an image that is repeated or occurs often in a story, or is prominent in a story, that explains or points to a theme (a central idea or message) in the story. For instance, a cathedral is a motif found in Raymond Carver's story "Cathedral." The post office is another in "Why I Live at the P.O." Describe the motif under discussion and what it seems to suggest or explain. What does it represent to a character or characters? Why do you think the way you do?

Topic C: Analyze the use of diction in one of the stories.

Diction can be defined as a style or way of speaking or writing. It is determined by the choice of words used by a speaker or writer. You will definitely want to quote certain words and phrases in your discussion. You'll want to think, too, about slang, single words and phrases.

This discussion may include any of the following:

Discuss the way language is used in the narration (the telling) of a story.
Discuss the language of the dialogue in the story.
Compare/contrast the language used in the narration and the dialogue.
How does particular language or use of words develop a character or characters in the story? How does it develop the setting of a story?

Text: A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND AND OTHER STORIES by Flannery O'Connor.