Mid term notes
Midterm Notes These are the study notes, a mishmash of discussion postings from this and previous classes, together with my own thoughts. Note that I jump around a good bit as things pop into my head, and there is bound to be some repetition (but that's a good thing, right?). I’ve tried to emphasize important points and to clear up a few misconceptions. I hope you find them helpful.
To begin with, you should refresh your understanding of the elements of fiction (especially the kinds of characters). Below is a quiz from a previous quarter that may help (you don't need to take the quiz and turn it in--this is meant only as a study aid).
1. Explain the difference between flat characters and round characters. Explain the difference between static characters and dynamic characters.
2. What is the difference between a simple recounting of "things that happened" and a plot?
3. What element is always necessary to plot?
4. Explain, in your own words, what theme is.
It's important that you understand these elements. You should be able to discuss the stories we have read in terms of these elements.
Responses to discussion questions should be clear and specific. They should address the text. Look for details in the stories to support your answers. This is, essentially, an open-book exam, so I'll expect these details.
Proofread your answers! I won't necessarily count off for spelling/grammar errors, but they are bound to affect how I read your answers.
Notes on “The Story of an Hour” Notice the emotional connection to the setting. What does she see outside her window upstairs? Why the images of springtime. Remember: nothing can be wasted in a short story. Details are chosen very carefully.
Notice also the emotional difference between downstairs and upstairs. That open window escaped a lot of the class. What specifically did she see? Why the images of springtime?
Conflict: What about the "death" of her husband? Isn't it the cause of the
To begin with, you should refresh your understanding of the elements of fiction (especially the kinds of characters). Below is a quiz from a previous quarter that may help (you don't need to take the quiz and turn it in--this is meant only as a study aid).
1. Explain the difference between flat characters and round characters. Explain the difference between static characters and dynamic characters.
2. What is the difference between a simple recounting of "things that happened" and a plot?
3. What element is always necessary to plot?
4. Explain, in your own words, what theme is.
It's important that you understand these elements. You should be able to discuss the stories we have read in terms of these elements.
Responses to discussion questions should be clear and specific. They should address the text. Look for details in the stories to support your answers. This is, essentially, an open-book exam, so I'll expect these details.
Proofread your answers! I won't necessarily count off for spelling/grammar errors, but they are bound to affect how I read your answers.
Notes on “The Story of an Hour” Notice the emotional connection to the setting. What does she see outside her window upstairs? Why the images of springtime. Remember: nothing can be wasted in a short story. Details are chosen very carefully.
Notice also the emotional difference between downstairs and upstairs. That open window escaped a lot of the class. What specifically did she see? Why the images of springtime?
Conflict: What about the "death" of her husband? Isn't it the cause of the