ENG215H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Literary Realism, Fiction, Close Reading

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18 Apr 2012

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Along with paying attention to factors outside the text, we need to understand something about the verbal, formal, and structural elements of the words themselves. Close reading is a deliberate attempt to detach ourselves from the plot and story of a narrative and pay attention to imagery, allusion, intertextuality, syntax, and form in the writing. Close reading forces us to be active rather than passive consumers of the texts and asks us not just what the story means, but how meaning is structured and conveyed through its language. We do not attempt a close reading of an entire short story. Instead, we look at particular important sentences, sometimes together to reach an interpretation or to illustrate an observation. To lean how to do close reading, start by selecting a paragraph and look at it sentence by sentence. How does the verbal texture of this paragraph illuminate the thme. Lazy bones fredrick philip grove (1879-1948) (pg.

Related Questions

Short Story I Chose: Creative Writing

Questions

Feminist Theory

Marxist Theory

Psychoanalytic Theory

What aspects of the short story lend themselves to this particular lens?

Cite specific textual quotations that support this reading.

If you look through this lens, what themes or patterns are brought into sharp relief?

If you look through this lens, what questions emerge?

*You can substitute Postcolonial Theory for one of the above if you wish.

greyhornet478

*Please refer to the attached file.

You are writing a rough draft for the essay part 1,

This writing practice will focus on

Steps *1 and *2 below:

___________________

FIVE STEPS OF WRITING~*1- Prewrite*2-Draft 3- Revise 4- Edit/Proofread 5- Publish

Expository Essay Part 1

Student Resource

EXPOSITORY ESSAY

– explains, points out

Used in articles, essays, exam questions

- Used to report on research

- Used to share information, give directions

REVIEW:

Elements of Expository Essay:

Thesis

–

Thesis Statement states topic, introduces supporting points

Structure

–

- Organization - often by Cause/Effect, Problem/Solution, Compare/Contrast

- Supporting paragraphs (at least one per supporting point)

- Use of formatting, graphics, and multi-media where appropriate

- Conclusion - relates to thesis and pulls supporting points together

Style

–

- Formal tone - complete sentences; conventional construction and language

- Active voice

Assignment:

Complete the first

two

steps in writing an Expository Essay.

You can use the sample writing prompt on Page 3 or choose a topic based on stories/articles of

your choosing. Page 3 also gives a sample thesis and outline based on the writing prompt. If

writing on your own topic and texts, choose three texts from different genres – e.g., short story,

science fiction, poetry, memoir, informational text, etc.

Step 1)

Prewrite

– Write your thesis statement.

– Determine the structure and organization (e.g., compare/contrast).

– Make an Outline (should include the thesis statement plus a list of

supporting points and a conclusion).

Step 2)

Draft

– Follow your Outline.

– Consider the audience's knowledge of and experience with the topic.

– Give concrete examples (each supporting point should be at least one

paragraph).

– Relate each point back to the thesis statement.

– Draw a conclusion that relates to the thesis statement and ties the

supporting points together.

Expository Essay Part 1

Student Resource

EXPOSITORY ESSAY - SAMPLE THESIS AND OUTLINE

WRITING PROMPT

Compare/contrast the authors' treatments of the theme of

taking

responsibility

in three different genres of text:

Short Story

–"Through the Tunnel,"

Science

Fiction

– "A Sound of Thunder," and

Informational Text

– "Quit blaming; take responsibility."

Thesis

Authors Lessing, Bradbury, and Gitomer, writing in three different textual genres,

each address the theme of taking responsibility by contrasting instances of responsible and

irresponsible behavior and drawing the conclusion of the benefits of taking responsibility.

Supporting paragraphs

– with formatting (subtitles):

1. Short Story

– Lessing ("Through the Tunnel") contrasts Jerry's irresponsible/ responsible

behavior and draws conclusion responsibility is best – Jerry feels better about himself.

- Irresponsible: Jerry tries to get attention, be accepted by other boys; wants to swim

through tunnel before ready (examples from story)

- Responsible: Jerry stops trying to please other boys; adopts his quest; trains and works

to be prepared (examples from story)

- Lessing draws unstated conclusion of benefits of taking responsibility

(contrasts Jerry's feelings before and after quest)

2. Science Fiction

– Bradbury ("A Sound of Thunder") contrasts Time Safari Inc.'s/ Eckels'

responsible/irresponsible behavior and graphically illustrates the devastating results of

irresponsibility.

- Irresponsible: Eckels' uncaring, irresponsible attitude (examples in story)

- Responsible: Time Safari's careful planning and preparation for the hunt

(examples

from story)

- Bradbury ends story showing dramatic impact of being irresponsible, implying the

benefits of responsibility

3. Informational Text

–

Gitomer ("Quit blaming; take responsibility") compares salespeople

with politicians in their tendency to avoid taking responsibility and contrasts that attitude with

suggestions on taking responsibility to achieve success.

- Irresponsible: Salespeople and politicians blame others for their failures

(specific examples from article)

- Responsible: Suggestions on how they can take responsibility by

studying failures and

making them successes (examples in article)

- Gitomer concludes that salespeople (and politicians) can achieve results

they seek by

overcoming obstacles and taking responsibility

Conclusion

Authors Lessing, Bradbury, and Gitomer, writing in three different textual

genres, each address the theme of taking responsibility by contrasting instances of responsible

and irresponsible behavior, concluding that taking responsibility brings the best r

This writing practice will focus on

Steps *1 and *2 below:

___________________

FIVE STEPS OF WRITING ~* 1-Prewrite* 2- Draft 3- Revise\ 4- Edit/Proofread 5- Publish

Expository Essay Part 1

Student Resource

EXPOSITORY ESSAY

– explains, points out

Used in articles, essays, exam questions

- Used to report on research

- Used to share information, give directions

REVIEW:

Elements of Expository Essay:

Thesis

–

Thesis Statement states topic, introduces supporting points

Structure

–

- Organization - often by Cause/Effect, Problem/Solution, Compare/Contrast

- Supporting paragraphs (at least one per supporting point)

- Use of formatting, graphics, and multi-media where appropriate

- Conclusion - relates to thesis and pulls supporting points together

Style

–

- Formal tone - complete sentences; conventional construction and language

- Active voice

Assignment:

Complete the first

two

steps in writing an Expository Essay.

You can use the sample writing prompt on Page 3 or choose a topic based on stories/articles of

your choosing. Page 3 also gives a sample thesis and outline based on the writing prompt. If

writing on your own topic and texts, choose three texts from different genres – e.g., short story,

science fiction, poetry, memoir, informational text, etc.

Step 1)

Prewrite

– Write your thesis statement.

– Determine the structure and organization (e.g., compare/contrast).

– Make an Outline (should include the thesis statement plus a list of

supporting points and a conclusion).

Step 2)

Draft

– Follow your Outline.

– Consider the audience's knowledge of and experience with the topic.

– Give concrete examples (each supporting point should be at least one

paragraph).

– Relate each point back to the thesis statement.

– Draw a conclusion that relates to the thesis statement and ties the

supporting points together.

Expository Essay Part 1

Student Resource

EXPOSITORY ESSAY - SAMPLE THESIS AND OUTLINE

WRITING PROMPT

Compare/contrast the authors' treatments of the theme of

taking

responsibility

in three different genres of text:

Short Story

–"Through the Tunnel,"

Science

Fiction

– "A Sound of Thunder," and

Informational Text

– "Quit blaming; take responsibility."

Thesis

Authors Lessing, Bradbury, and Gitomer, writing in three different textual genres,

each address the theme of taking responsibility by contrasting instances of responsible and

irresponsible behavior and drawing the conclusion of the benefits of taking responsibility.

Supporting paragraphs

– with formatting (subtitles):

1. Short Story

– Lessing ("Through the Tunnel") contrasts Jerry's irresponsible/ responsible

behavior and draws conclusion responsibility is best – Jerry feels better about himself.

- Irresponsible: Jerry tries to get attention, be accepted by other boys; wants to swim

through tunnel before ready (examples from story)

- Responsible: Jerry stops trying to please other boys; adopts his quest; trains and works

to be prepared (examples from story)

- Lessing draws unstated conclusion of benefits of taking responsibility

(contrasts Jerry's feelings before and after quest)

2. Science Fiction

– Bradbury ("A Sound of Thunder") contrasts Time Safari Inc.'s/ Eckels'

responsible/irresponsible behavior and graphically illustrates the devastating results of

irresponsibility.

- Irresponsible: Eckels' uncaring, irresponsible attitude (examples in story)

- Responsible: Time Safari's careful planning and preparation for the hunt

(examples

from story)

- Bradbury ends story showing dramatic impact of being irresponsible, implying the

benefits of responsibility

3. Informational Text

–

Gitomer ("Quit blaming; take responsibility") compares salespeople

with politicians in their tendency to avoid taking responsibility and contrasts that attitude with

suggestions on taking responsibility to achieve success.

- Irresponsible: Salespeople and politicians blame others for their failures

(specific examples from article)

- Responsible: Suggestions on how they can take responsibility by

studying failures and

making them successes (examples in article)

- Gitomer concludes that salespeople (and politicians) can achieve results

they seek by

overcoming obstacles and taking responsibility

Conclusion

Authors Lessing, Bradbury, and Gitomer, writing in three different textual

genres, each address the theme of taking responsibility by contrasting instances of responsible

and irresponsible behavior, concluding that taking responsibility brings the best r

isaiahh223g

Identify a theme in "A Great Mistake (1898) and discuss textual evidence the author uses to develop the theme. Write at least 200 words! The story is below

An Italian kept a fruit-stand on a corner where he had good aim at the people who came down from the elevated station, and at those who went along two thronged streets. He sat most of the day in a backless chair that was placed strategically.

There was a babe living hard by, up five flights of stairs, who regarded this Italian as a tremendous being. The babe had investigated this fruit-stand. It had thrilled him as few things he had met with in his travels had thrilled him. The sweets of the world had laid there in dazzling rows, tumbled in luxurious heaps. When he gazed at this Italian seated amid such splendid treasures, his lower lip hung low and his eyes, raised to the vendor's face, were filled with deep respect, worship, as if he saw omnipotence.

The babe came often to this corner. He hovered about the stand and watched each detail of the business. He was fascinated by the tranquility of the vendor, the majesty of power and possession. At times he was so engrossed in his contemplation that people, hurrying, had to use care to avoid bumping him down.

He had never ventured very near to the stand. It was his habit to hang warily about the curb. Even there he resembled a babe who looks unbidden at a feast of gods.

One day, however, as the baby was thus staring, the vendor arose, and going along the front of the stand, began to polish oranges with a red pocket handkerchief. The breathless spectator moved across the sidewalk until his small face almost touched the vendor's sleeve. His fingers were gripped in a fold of his dress.

At last, the Italian finished with the oranges and returned to his chair. He drew a newspaper printed in his language from behind a bunch of bananas. He settled himself in a comfortable position, and began to glare savagely at the print. The babe was left face to face with the massed joys of the world. For a time he was a simply worshipper at this golden shrine. Then tumultuous desires began to shake him. His dreams were of conquest. His lips moved. Presently into his head there came a little plan. He sidled nearer, throwing swift and cunning glances at the Italian. He strove to maintain his conventional manner, but the whole plot was written upon his countenance.

At last he had come near enough to touch the fruit. From the tattered skirt came slowly his small dirty hand. His eyes were still fixed upon the vendor. His features were set, save for the under lip, which had a faint fluttering movement. The hand went forward.

Elevated trains thundered to the station and the stairway poured people upon the side walks. There was a deep sea roar from feet and wheels going ceaselessly. None seemed to perceive the babe engaged in a great venture.

The Italian turned his paper. Sudden panic smote the babe. His hand dropped, and he gave vent to a cry of dismay. He remained for a moment staring at the vendor. There was evidently a great debate in his mind. His infant intellect had defined this Italian. The latter was undoubtedly a man who would eat babes that provoked him. And the alarm in the babe when this monarch had turned his newspaper brought vividly before him the consequences if he were detected. But at this moment the vendor gave a blissful grunt, and tilting his chair against a wall, closed his eyes. His paper dropped unheeded.

The babe ceased his scrutiny and again raised his hand. It was moved with supreme caution toward the fruit. The fingers were bent, claw-like, in the manner of great heart-shaking greed. Once he stopped and chattered convulsively, because the vendor moved in his sleep. The babe, with his eyes still upon the Italian, again put forth his hand, and the rapacious fingers closed over a round bulb.

And it was written that the Italian should at this moment open his eyes. He glared at the babe a fierce question. Thereupon the babe thrust the round bulb behind him, and a with a face expressive of the deepest guilt, began a wild but elaborate series of gestures declaring his innocence. The Italian howled. He sprang to his feet, and with three steps overtook the babe. He whirled him fiercely, and took from the little fingers a lemon.

Identify a theme in "A Great Mistake" and discuss textual evidence the author uses to develop the theme.

Questions to Consider to Find Theme:

- What does the narrator say?

- What is the point of the story?

- What is the author's message?

- What realizations do the characters come to?

- What is the main conflict?

- What is the resolution?

isaiahh223g

ENG215H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Literary Realism, Fiction, Close Reading

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