November 1999 "The Heart of a Peacock"
1. Discuss the dynamic character of the peacock.
2. Discuss the appropriateness of the title.
January 2000 "The Hallowe'en Party"
1. Discuss the character of the father.
2. Discuss the impact of the setting on the story.
April 2000 " The Uprooting"
1. Explain how the title is significant to the story.
2. Discuss Elizabeth's relationships with those she is leaving behind.
August 2000 " Awakening"
1. Often conflicts results when a parent's aspirations for a child differ from the child's own dreams. Discuss how the father's dreams for Isaac create conflict.
2. As the title suggests, an "awakening" is an increasing awareness of one's self. Discuss Isaac's awakening.
June 2000 excerpt from "I Know This Much is True"
1. Explain how peer pressure plays an important role in this story.
2. Describe the character of Dominick (the narrator).
November 2000 "Nature Lessons"
1.The values of Marco, the father, are different from those of his daughter Mary. Discuss this contrast in values.
2. The father desires a closer relationship with his daughter. Discuss the steps he takes and the degree of success he achieves in forming this relationship.
January 2001 "Valentine's Day"
1. Discuss how Stephanie's character in revealed through her reactions to other characters.
2. Discuss how the author creates humour.
April 2001 "A Wedding-Dress"
1. Discuss the character of Miss Schwartz.
2. Discuss the element of conflict in the story.
June 2001 " The Technology of Simplicity"
1. Discuss the element of contrast in the story.
2. Discuss the lessons about life that the narrator has learned.
August 2001 "Survival Zones"
1.Discuss the ways in which the title "Survival Zones" relates to the story.
2.Discuss the relationship between Roberta and Roxanne.
November 2001 "I Go Along"
1. Explain how the title relates to the story.
2. Discuss how the story explores the idea of nonconformity.
January 2002 " Circus in Town"
1. Discuss Jenny's character.
2. Discuss the circus as a symbol.
April 2002 " The Shoemaker"
1. Discuss the author's use of symbolism.
2. Discuss the author's use of contrast.
June 2002 " Taseko"
1. Discuss how the setting contributes to the element of conflict.
2. Discuss how the boy attempts to conform to the expectations of the adult hunters.
August 2002 "My Last Hollywood Script"
1. Discuss the personality of the writer, Anzia Yezierska.
2. Discuss a theme or themes presented in Yezierska's essay.
November 2002 " Volcano"
1. Discuss the volcano as a symbol.
2. Discuss the atmosphere created by the author.
January 2003 "Rite of Passage"
1. Discuss character development in the story.
2. Discuss how the use of contrast contributes to the story.
April 2003 "Sunflowers"
1. "Sunflowers" makes extensive use of symbolism. Discuss this symbolism.
2. Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Duncan and Mr. Small.
June 2003 "Playing to Win"
1. Discuss how the experience of the daughter has influenced her mother.
2. Discuss how stereotypes influence the family members.
August 2003 "The Thrill of the Grass"
1. Discuss the character of the narrator.
2. Discuss the symbolism in the story.
November 2003 "A Bedtime Story"
1. Discuss conflict in this story.
2. Discuss the character of George Longarrow.
January 2004 "And Summer Is Gone"
1. Discuss the character of the narrator.
2. Discuss contrast.
April 2004" Thirty Acres"
1. Discuss the character of the father.
2. Discuss the symbolism of fire in this story.
June 2004 "Canyon"
1. Discuss the character of the narrator.
2. Discuss theme.
November 2004 "The Visit"
1. Discuss conflict.
2. Discuss theme.
June 2005 "Dandelion Wine"
1. Discuss symbolism.
2. Discuss contrast.
GLOSSARY OF LITERARY TERMS
Thanks to source: Thomson Gale : Free Resources
character
Broadly speaking, a person in a literary work. The actions of characters are what constitute the plot of a story, novel, or poem. There are numerous types of characters, ranging from simple, stereotypical figures to intricate, multifaceted ones.
conflict
The conflict in a work of fiction is the issue to be resolved in the story. It usually occurs between two characters, the protagonist and the antagonist, or between the protagonist and society or the protagonist and himself or herself.
contrast
Compare or appraise in respect to differences.
humour
That quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous. Something that is or is designed to be comical or amusing
idea
A formulated thought or opinion. The central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation.
narrator
The teller of a story. The narrator may be the author or a character in the story through whom the author speaks.
relationship
The state of being related or interrelated, having relations or dealings.
setting
The time, place, and culture in which the action of a narrative takes place. The elements of setting may include geographic location, characters' physical and mental environments, prevailing cultural attitudes, or the historical time in which the action takes place.
stereotype
A stereotype was originally the name for a duplication made during the printing process; this led to its modern definition as a
person or thing that is (or is assumed to be) the same as all others of
its type. Common stereotypical characters include the absent-minded professor, the nagging wife, the troublemaking teenager, and the kindhearted grandmother.
symbolism
The term "symbolism" refers to the use of one object to represent another. Examples of the concept of symbolism include a flag that stands for a
nation, or an empty cupboard used to suggest hopelessness,
poverty, and despair.
theme
The main point of a work of literature. The term is used interchangeably with thesis, which is supported through the action of the story.
title
A descriptive name.
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