English 03

No Love Lost Note-Taking Guide

Spoon River Anthology
1. What do you know about Ollie and Fletcher McGee after reading their epitaphs?
-After reading their epitaphs, we can assume that Ollie is Fletcher's wife and in vice versa, Fletcher is Ollie's husband. We also know that they are obviously both dead and that some how they both ended up killing each other in a way.
2. What do the separate epitaphs of Mr. and Mrs. McGee tell you about their marriage and their feelings for each other?
-Judging by reading their separate epitaphs, Ollie and Fletcher greatly dislike each other. I also have found out that Fletcher McGee took pride in making sure Ollie's life was miserable. Also, upon Ollie's death, she made sure she would haunt Fletcher until his very last breath
3. How does the McGee’s relationship support the idea that literature reflected some women’s feelings of being trapped and oppressed by their husbands?
-This definitely proved that sometimes women really didn't have a choice as to whom they can or can't be with. Ollie was extremely unhappy with her relationship but knew she couldn't walk away, because without Fletcher, she would have nothing.

"The Story of an Hour"
4. How does Mrs. Mallard initially react when she learns of her husband’s death?
-At first Mrs. Mallard is horrified and weeps for her husbands death.
5. How does her outlook change after her initial reaction wears off?
-After the initial reaction wears off, Mrs. Mallard realizes that she will from this day forward, be free. So with this realization, she becomes very joyful.
6. How does Mrs. Mallard feel about the idea of being married? Use evidence from the story to support your answer.
-Mrs. Mallard hates the idea of being married. She longes for her freedom. This is expressed when she continuously whispers, "free, free, free!"
7. How does Mrs. Mallard feel when she thinks of life after her husband’s death? Use evidence from the story to support your answer.
-Mrs. Mallard is very excited for her life after her husband's death. In the story it says, "But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome." proving that she can't wait for her future as a widow.
8. How do Mrs. Mallard’s feelings after learning of her husband’s death and her reaction to seeing him alive support the idea that literature reflected some women’s feelings of being trapped and oppressed by their husbands?
-This proves that some women felt as if they were trapped and oppressed by their husbands, because she literally died of a heart attack when she saw her husband. Not because she was happy he was alive, but that she wasn't free after all and her dreams had been crushed.