Instructions for Part 1
To begin, pick one of the first person or third person short stories we have read ("A&P," "The Lesson" or "Where are You Going, Where Have You Been"). Revisit the chosen story's exposition, rising action and climax, and think about the key information that is revealed about the protagonist at these points of the plot. Must be 450 words.
Then consider: if Sammy, Sylvia or Connie could direct readers like the mother in "Girl" or Yunior in "How to Date...," what would they say?
Write an "instruction manual" in the style of the second person short stories we have read, using one of the three aforementioned characters as the narrator.
Since you obviously cannot reproduce the whole story in only 450 words, limit your "revision" to either the plot's exposition or climax. Use your creativity to help you interpret as many of the key points of characterization as possible. You may also elaborate upon established details or invent new ones that seem appropriate for the character. Be sure to generate a guide that aligns with the major conflict or concerns of the featured character. (A guide written by Sammy, for example, would likely tell readers how to look cool in front of girls or quit a dinky afterschool job with style, while one written by Sylvia might relate how to make mischief with friends or cope with one of Miss Moore's lessons.)
Things to Remember
• Your story should be told from the second person point of view.
• Do not forget to give your story a title. Again, really think about how the character would refer to it.
• 1-2 typed pages one-inch margins, double-spaced, 12-point font
• Original title in regular type and centered.
Instructions for Part 2
Part B: Reflection (at least 250 words):
1. Explain how changing a story's point of view alters what readers understand about the plot and characters. In your opinion did changing the point of view make the protagonist more or less sympathetic, more or less engaging? Do you feel anything was "lost in translation" because of this change, or if anything was gained?
2. Discuss your process in rewriting the story from a different point of view. What did you find most interesting and most challenging about this task?
3. Evaluate your story's tone and how it compares and contrasts with the original.