Extra Credit Journal Assignment Using Our Usual Job

Extra Credit Journal Assignmentassignmentusing Our Usual Journal Forma

Using our usual journal format (one page, single spaced, etc.), please answer the following prompt in a three paragraph response for extra credit: What two stories would you keep? What two stories would you remove? And, what one story would you add to the reading list? Please offer more than a mere listing of story titles. Please be specific as to why you would argue for me to keep, remove, or add the stories you discuss.

Paper For Above instruction

In reviewing a collection of stories, I would opt to retain "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor because of their profound exploration of human nature and societal norms. "The Lottery" is a chilling examination of blind tradition and communal complicity that remains relevant as it critiques adherence to ritual without questioning morality. Similarly, "A Good Man is Hard to Find" offers a profound insight into morality, grace, and the inherent darkness within humanity, evoking reflection on personal and societal ethics. Removing "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell and "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry would be beneficial because, although they are classic stories, they tend to rely heavily on plot devices like suspense and irony, which may overshadow deeper thematic engagement; their messages, while impactful, are somewhat overused in modern contexts, diminishing novelty and depth.

To enhance the reading list, I would add "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, a novel that provides a compelling perspective on colonialism, cultural clash, and the resilience of indigenous societies. Its addition would diversify the narrative voices and thematic concerns beyond Western-centric stories, enriching readers' understanding of global cultural dynamics. This story complements the existing collection by providing cultural depth and historical context that challenge readers to consider alternate worldviews and experiences. The inclusion of Achebe's work would broaden the literary scope and foster greater empathy and understanding across different societies, making the collection more comprehensive and relevant for contemporary discussions of culture, identity, and change.