Assignment

Symbolism of Snow- Literary Analysis -- Choose ONE of these questions on which to write a 1 to 2 page essay. Use good essay form. Five paragraphs are standard-an introduction, three development paragraphs, and a conclusion. Set your paper up according to MLA format. (See course Resources.)

Discuss the connection of snow to Gabriel. Quote appropriate passages and explain what Gabriel's association with snow says about his character.

OR

Discuss the shift in the symbolic meaning of snow in the last passage of the story and tie it in to Gabriel's new awareness.

Directions: Response Questions: Answer the following questions in one to two paragraphs. Support your thinking with quotations from the story. Use complete sentences and spell check your work.

As mentioned in the lecture, the action in "The Dead" can be divided into three stages. Explain where each stage takes place and what events happen during each stage.

How does Gabriel behave at the party? How does he see himself as different from the other guests? What conflicts does he have with the other guests?

Even though Michael Furey is dead, he has a strong influence on the living. Explain why he is important and how he causes Gabriel to change.
What is your interpretation of the end of "The Dead." Do you see the ending as hopeful and marking a change in Gabriel's attitude that will allow him to experience life more fully, or do you see death as paralyzing living as well as the dead in Dublin and the frozen snow connecting them. Please explain your thinking.

Sources

Read in Literature of the Western World Volume II by Brian Wilkie and James
Hurt o James Joyce - pp 1653-6.
"The Dead," pp. 1657-85.