ENGL 102

Fiction Essay 1

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Choose one of the short stories and keeping the theme in mind, discuss one or more of the following, using literary terminology where appropriate: 

  • How setting contributes to the theme in the story
  • How point of view contributes to the theme in the story
  • How characterization contributes to the theme in the story
  • How plot and climax contribute to the theme in the story
  • How does imagery or symbols work successfully in the story?

 Sometimes for a fiction piece you can also discuss:

  • Imagery and symbol
  • Word choices

OR choose one of the following specific questions for your essay::

1. How does Updike's use of first person omniscient narration, where we are inside Sammy's head, and his use of detailed description give us clues to his attitude about his work, co-workers, and boss?

2. Sammy in “A & P” exhibits all the immaturity of adolescence, but there is a shift in the climax and end of the story.  Contrast the elements that illustrate his immaturity with those that show growth and new understanding at the end.

3.In both “Doe Season” and “Boys and Girls,” we have young girls, who seem more aligned with their fathers than their mothers until the end of the story.  This passage from non-identified youth, to becoming identified with their gender (female) isn’t an easy one.  Discuss how the two authors show both loss and gain in each story. 

4. Both “Doe Season” and “Boys and Girls” are focused on settings that use nature to help illustrate the theme of what it means to grow up female.  Discuss how these natural elements, whether harsh or sensitive, serve the authors’ theme.

 

 

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