Description
Answer all of the questions.
- Helena María Viramontes (born 1954) "The Moths"
Discuss Viramontes's portrayal of Abuelita's death in "The Moths." How does she show the moment of death and its effects on the narrator? What is her tone? Comment on the symbolism of moths, too - why do you think she chose moths to represent that moment? What does this moment of death show about her culture? - Franz Kafka (1883-1924) "A Hunger Artist"
Kafka describes the hunger artist as a “pathetic martyr” (453). The word martyr usually means someone who suffers or dies for his or her religion or principles. Is the word martyr appropriate for the hunger artist? For what purpose or cause is he a martyr? - Shirley Jackson (1919-1965) "The Lottery"
Discuss how Jackson's "The Lottery" uses specific elements of fiction (e.g. setting, characters, title, dialogue, point of view) to mislead the reader into thinking this will be a happy story. Then find a few examples of foreshadowing that hint at the ending. - Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) "The Necklace"
In Maupassant's story, discuss Mathilde Loisel. Is she a sympathetic character? Is she dynamic or static? In the end, she blames Madame Forestier for her misfotunes (596); is this fair? What does this moment reveal about Madame Loisel's character? - Margaret Atwood (born 1939) "Happy Endings
Discuss how Atwood, Kincaid, and/or Diaz creates humor through specific choices of style, tone, and/or narration. Then explain how the text or texts use humor to address specific challenging themes or topics.