Short Fiction Created by Mrs. D. Wittmann
Summatives: Unit Test Compare and Contrast APA Report
You are responsible for the reading and analysis of the following four short stories: "One of These Days" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Page 13) "The Interlopers" by Saki - Hector Hugh Munro (Page 41) "Paid-Up Member" by Will R. Bird (Page 116) "Powder" by Tobias Wolff (Page 312)
Lucidpress Links Story Elements http://pub.lucidpress.com/15724a05-8175-454a-a8f0-10e2d48d8982/ Reading Strategies http://pub.lucidpress.com/7ee712ba-3c2f-4917-98f9-dc0525035a09/ Accountable Talk http://pub.lucidpress.com/e23e6dbf-016b-4da8-b7a5-f9f36a3e2c0d/
The Story Elements Point of View (Link) Separate video Plot Character Conflict Theme Setting
The Short Story Edgar Allan Poe is often referred to as the "father of the short story." Although he did no invent the form, Poe was among the first to define what the short story is and what it should do. According to Poe, "unit of effect or impression" is of utmost importance - all elements of a story, such as character, plot, setting, and mood, should work together to achieve one preconceived effect. Even the first sentence must aim at the purpose of the story.
The Audience Authors often have a picture in their mind of who they are writing for as they craft their story. How would the author describe his audience (readers)? You must have a minimum of three descriptors: Age, gender, geographical location, education level, occupation, beliefs, lifestyle, social class, personality, attitudes, hobbies
The Purpose The purpose for writing can go beyond PIE To advocate (promote or support) To report on an event To arouse emotions and sympathies To raise questions To appeal to fantasy and imagination To raise questions To criticize the actions of others To inform of issues To state one's beliefs To encourage and support To propose a solution To seek common ground To instigate thought and action To satisfy curiosity To present new ideas To instruct, teach, or educate To express or reflect on life and experiences To explore a question To present information To analyze and interpret To call for action
THE SUMMARY
"One of These Days" Minds on ... What feelings do you have when you visit the dentist? What feelings may the dentist have, particularly knowing that many people feel negatively about visiting the dentist.
Author: Gabriel García Márquez (1927- 2014) Born on March 6, 1927 in Aracataca, Colombia, writer Gabriel García Márquez grew up listening to family tales, eventually becoming a journalist. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982, with organizers hailing "his novels and short stories, in which the fantastic and the realistic are combined in a richly composed world of imagination, reflecting a continent's life and conflicts." He died in April 2014 in Mexico City at the age of 87. "One of These Days" was published in 1962.
"One of These Days" Link Paragraph One (Exposition) "Monday dawned warm and rainless. Aurelio Escovar, a dentist without a degree, and a very early riser, opened his office at six. He took some false teeth, still mounted in their plaster mold, out of the glass case and put on the table a fistful of instruments which he arranged in size order, as if they were on display. He wore a collarless striped shirt, closed at the neck with a golden stud, and pants held up by suspenders He was erect and skinny, with a look that rarely corresponded to the situation, the way deaf people have of looking" (13). WRITE: First Impressions: Predict: Summarize: Ask a Question:
Language of the Discipline Focus: Imagery 1. Visual Imagery: Seen in the mind's eye "he saw the crumbling ceiling and a dusty spider web with spider’s eggs and dead insects" (15). 2. Auditory Imagery: Represents a sound "The shrill voice of his eleven-year-old son interrupted his concentration" (14). 3. Olfactory Imagery: A smell The familiar smell of a dental office 4. Gustatory Imagery: A taste “Go to bed,” he said, “and gargle with salt water” (15). 5. Tactile Imagery: A touch "He was polishing a gold tooth. He held it at arm’s length, and examined it with his eyes half closed" (14). 6. Kinesthetic Imagery: A movement "the Mayor leaned his skull on the headrest of the chair and felt better " (15). 7. Organic Imagery: Internal sensation "The Mayor seized the arms of the chair, braced his feet with all his strength, and felt an icy void in his kidneys," (15).
"The Interlopers" Minds on ... Whom or what is this cartoon about? How do you know? What makes people who should be friends become fierce enemies?
Author: Hector Hugh Munro (1870-1916) Munro (better known as Saki) was a British foreign correspondent in Eastern Europe, during the years leading up to the first World War. He was also a very prolific manufacturer of fiction and his often macabre stories satirised Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narrative. Munro joined the Royal Fusiliers regiment of the British Army at the outbreak of War in 1914 and was killed by a sniper November 13, 1916, in Beaumont-Hamel, France. Apparently his last words were, "Put that bloody cigarette out!" Saki’s collection The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers was published posthumously in 1919. Saki had died three years earlier, the victim of a sniper’s bullet, and the stories in this volume—which included sketches of pre-war England as well as tales of war—were written while he served in France. “The Interlopers” was included in this collection.
"The Interlopers" Link Paragraph One (Exposition) "In a forest of mixed growth somewhere on the eastern spurs of the Carpathians, a man stood one winter night watching and listening, as though he waited for some beast of the woods to come within the range of his vision, and, later, of his rifle. But the game for whose presence he kept so keen an outlook was none that figured in the sportsman's calendar as lawful and proper for the chase; Ulrich von Gradwitz patrolled the dark forest in quest of a human enemy" (41). Interloper - a person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong. WRITE: First Impressions: Predict: Summarize: Ask a Question:
Two enemies become trapped beneath a fallen tree and soon begin to reconcile. Based upon the short story by Saki. Starring Adam Johnson and Larry Bagby. 10:34 in length
"The Most Dangerous Game" "The Most Dangerous Game", also published as "The Hounds of Zaroff", is a short story by Richard Connell, first published in Collier's book on January 19, 1924. The Most Dangerous Game (1932) Complete Film
Language of the Discipline Focus: Plot devices Foreshadowing: It is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Foreshadowing often appears at the beginning of a story or a chapter and helps the reader develop expectations about the coming events in a story. "Ulrich von Gradwitz patrolled the dark forest in quest of a human enemy" (41). Flashback: Flashbacks bring information from the past into the present to help the reader better understand a character or part of the story. In particular, it can enlighten the reader of your character’s life story by showing the character in an earlier time – anything from early childhood to an hour ago – in order to move the story forward. Flashbacks affect a story's sequence. They break up a plot's forward movement to tell an event from the past. It must be triggered by something. "A famous law-suit, in the days of his grandfather, had wrested it from the illegal possession of a neighboring family of petty landowners; the dispossessed party had never acquiesced in the judgment of the courts" (41). Situational Irony: Sometimes called irony of events. Irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected. "Wolves" (45).
The theme that the cycle of violence will continue until there is forgiveness is revealed through both the conflict and the characters. To begin, the conflict between ownership over a piece of forest has been going on for several generations. The narrator states, “A famous lawsuit, in the days of his grandfather, had wrested it from the illegal possession of a neighbouring family of petty landowners” (41). Unfortunately, the Znaeym family did not accept the ruling, and continues to fight over a narrow, useless piece of land. Georg Znaeym continues to poach and raid the disputed border forest. This conflict clearly reveals the theme as each family continues their violent behaviour by their unwillingness to compromise. Furthermore, the two main characters clearly reveal the theme. Both men grew up detesting each other. However, they come to realize the pettiness of the feud: “ ‘Neighbour, if you will help me to bury the old quarrel I – I will ask you to be my friend’ ” (44). As the men agree to be friends, both finding forgiveness in the other, the feud is finally over. When they see figures heading in their direction, together they call for help. As such, the growth experienced by both characters reveal the theme. In conclusion, the conflict and the two characters reveal the need to forgive to end generations of violence.
"Paid-Up Member" Minds On ... Saving Face signifies a desire, or defines a strategy, to avoid humiliation or embarrassment to maintain dignity or preserve reputation. Most of us have been guilty of embarrassing someone, either willfully or inadvertently (on purpose or by accident). Describe a time when you have either humiliated another person or have been humiliated yourself. In either case, how did it make you feel?
Author: Will R. Bird (1891- 1984) In January 1984 one of Canada's most prolific authors passed from the literary scene. Will R. Bird devoted much of his ninety-three years to the art of story-telling, through his books, short stories and articles. He achieved major successes in the genres of historical fiction and war stories. His accomplishments were acknowledged by an honorary doctorate from Mount Allison University and awards from the University of Alberta and the Canadian Authors' Association. He was the recipient of the Ryerson Fiction Award in 1945 and 1947. "Paid-up Member" is one of William R. Bird's short stories and was published in the collection Sunrise for Peter and Other Stories by William R. Bird. It was published by Ryerson Press in September 1946.
"Paid-Up Member" Link Paragraph One (Exposition) "It was raining a little at noon, but Simon Lasher drove out to his corner lot with the disc harrow. He had seen Dickie go up the back road and he meant to intercept him as he returned; he had cleaned and oiled his old army rifle, and he meant to use it" (116). Paid-up member - someone who has paid their annual membership fee for a group or club WRITE: First Impressions: Predict: Summarize: Ask a Question:
During the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2nd May, 1915 in the gun positions near Ypres. An exploding German artillery shell landed near him. He was serving in the same Canadian artillery unit as a friend of his, the Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae. As the brigade doctor, John McCrae was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis because the chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”. In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Language of the Discipline Focus: Alliteration: Alliteration occurs when a series of words in a row (or close to a row) have the same first consonant sound. The function of alliteration in literature is to provide emphasis on a particular point or to make some aspect of the work more memorable. Alliteration is often used to draw the reader's attention to a particular sentence and make it stand out. "Simon hurried his horses" (116). Allusion: A brief reference to some person, historical event, work of art, or Biblical or mythological situation or character. The allusion is effective only to the extent that the reader recognizes it. "In Flanders Fields" (117). Dramatic Irony: Irony that in novels or drama in which a situation is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters "Who would guess its secret?" (118).
Yesterday, Simon Lasher was arrested for the murder of Jim Dickie, whose body was found buried in the corner lot of Lasher's property, with Sheriff Hank Wheeler describing it as a crime of passion.
"Powder" Minds On ... Share memories about traveling in a snowstorm or other bad weather.
Author: Tobias Wolff (1945 - ) Tobias Jonathan Ansell Wolff (born June 19, 1945) is an American author. He is known for his memoirs, particularly This Boy's Life (1989) and In Pharaoh's Army. He has also written two novels, including The Barracks Thief, which won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, and an array of short stories. "Powder" is taken from The Night in Question, 1996. The story is set before 1982.
"Powder" Link Paragraph One (Exposition) "Just before Christmas my father took me skiing at Mount Baker. He’d had to fight for the privilege of my company, because my mother was still angry with him for sneaking me into a nightclub during his last visit, to see Thelonious Monk" (312). WRITE: First Impressions: Predict: Summarize: Ask a Question:
Language of the Discipline Focus: Repetition: It is a literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer and to emphasize its significance in the entire text. "Then there was nothing but snow: snow on the road, snow kicking up from the chains, snow on the trees, snow in the sky; and our trail in the snow" (313-314). Dialogue: In literature, it is a conversational passage or a spoken or written exchange of conversation in a group or between two persons directed towards a particular subject. “Okay then. What are my strong points?” “Don’t get me started,” he said. “It’d take all day.” “Oh, right. Name one.” “Easy. You always think ahead” (314). Symbolism: A character, an action, a setting, or an object representing something else can be a symbol. Something that on the surface is its literal self (tangible) but which also has another meaning (intangible) or even several meanings. Snow - symbolizes visible obstruction, the unknown Powder - fresh, unspoiled, new beginnings Jazz - symbolizes the father, spontaneity, improvisation
Quotation Analysis 1. State the speaker of the quotation and what is occurring at the time of the conversation. 2. Explain the importance of the quotation to the development of plot, character, and/or theme. EXEMPLAR “The Mayor wants to know if you’ll pull his tooth” (15). 1. The speaker of this dialogue is the son of the local dentist, Aurelio Escovar. At this point in the story, the Mayor of the town has come to his office with an infected lower wisdom tooth. 2. This piece of dialogue is important in the development of both the plot and the protagonist. In plot development, this is the inciting incident in the rising action. It is the catalyst for the rest of the story. Without the Mayor coming to the office, the story would not continue. Next, this conversation also aids in the development of the protagonist. The dentist does not want to help the Mayor and initially refuses. The dentist can be described as conniving as he sees an opportunity for revenge by causing the Mayor great pain. TASK: Complete the handout. Be prepared to discuss your answers with your peers.
Review In order to explore your basic understanding of a short story, ask yourself some of the following questions: What is the basic plot of the story? Where does the story take place? Who is/are the main character(s)? What conflicts are developed in the story? What are some of the traits that characterize the main characters? What is the point of view of narration? When does the story take place? Why do certain events occur? Does the title have significance or importance? How does this connect to the main idea of the story?
Short Stories Comparison Report in APA Format Learning Goal: I can write a report comparing and contrasting “The Interlopers” by Saki with “Paid-Up Member” by Will R. Bird The purpose of this report is to compare and contrast two short stories. This report will begin with a comparison of the two storylines, followed by characters, and setting. It will conclude with an evaluation of which story is more suited to a teenage audience. D2L: Report Summative for Unit Two Download the outline and the template Follow the 7 C's of communication
Compare and Contrast: Exemplar Paragraph Theme Both short stories share a common and universal theme: seeking revenge can lead to tragedy. This theme is revealed through the storyline in each text. In “The Interlopers” Ulrich von Gradwitz is hunting Georg Znaeym because of a long standing feud between the two families. It has become personal. As the story continues, the men find forgiveness in each other. Unfortunately, it can be inferred that while both the men are trapped under a heavy tree branch, they are eaten by wolves. The two men seek revenge, come to an understanding, then both tragically die. Similarly, in “Paid-up Member”, Simon Lasher is seeking revenge as Jim Dickie stole his intended new farm and, adding insult to injury, stole his girl, Mary Hawkins. However, Lasher’s revenge is successful as he shoots and kills Dickie. His body is pushed into a trench and covered over with dirt. Ironically, like “The Interlopers”, his success is short lived as the body of Jim Dickie is discovered when the poppies grow. In both short stories the protagonists seek revenge. Differing, Gradwitz and Znaeym agree to end the feud, but ultimately die. Lasher achieves his revenge, but is handcuffed and arrested for murder. It is a tragic tale for both, thus proving the same universal theme true in each story. (211 words)