General Instructions For Discussions And Your Contributions

General Instructions For Discussions Your Contributions Should Be T

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS: Your contributions should be thoughtful and developed. Answer all parts of the question and use concepts from the course materials. Use a professional style of communication, with attention to grammar, spelling, and typos; cite your sources. Unless your instructor specifies otherwise, choose ONE of the following questions, and give a substantive response to at least two other students.

1. SUPERNATURAL SHORT STORIES Both of the short stories explore dimensions of the supernatural. Using the tools you have gathered in Discussion 1.1 about literary language, literary genres, and literary terms, compare and contrast the two stories in light of this supernatural theme. Make sure to use at least two tools from Discussion 4.1. Underline or bold the vocabulary, concept or technique you use as a interpretative tool in your post.

2. POETIC JOURNEYS Both Keats and Han Shan explore the theme of a journey, symbolic or literary. Using the tools you have gathered in Discussion 1.1 about literary language, literary genres, and literary terms, compare and contrast the Keats’ sonnet with three of the Cold Mountain poems in light of this journey theme. Make sure to use at least two tools from Discussion 4.1. Underline or bold the vocabulary, concept or technique you use as a interpretative tool in your post.

3. VARIATIONS ON A THEME: POETRY AND PROSE Compare and contrast one of the poems and one of the stories. Identify a common theme between the two. Using the tools you have gathered in Discussion 1.1 about literary language, literary genres, and literary terms, compare and contrast the two stories in light of this theme. Make sure to use at least two tools from Discussion 4.1. Underline or bold the vocabulary, concept or technique you use as a interpretative tool in your post.

4. ANALYZE A POEM OR STORY Pick one of the poems or stories and analyze it by itself. Identify a key theme and, using the tools you have gathered in Discussion 1.1 about literary language, literary genres, and literary terms, carefully analyze and interpret your poem or story as an expression of this theme. Make sure to use at least two tools from Discussion 4.1. Underline or bold the vocabulary, concept or technique you use as a interpretative tool in your post.

Paper For Above instruction

Given the variety of discussion prompts provided, this paper will focus on comparing and contrasting two short stories that explore supernatural elements, using literary tools to analyze their themes and techniques. The analysis will demonstrate understanding of literary language, genres, and terms, supported by scholarly insights and textual evidence.

Introduction

The supernatural has long been a compelling theme in literature, serving as a lens through which authors explore humanity’s fears, desires, and the unknown. This paper examines two supernatural short stories—"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Monkey’s Paw" by W. W. Jacobs—by employing literary tools such as symbolism and tone. Through these tools, we can analyze how each story constructs its supernatural atmosphere and conveys its thematic messages about fate and human nature.

Comparison of Literary Language and Genre

"The Lottery" and "The Monkey’s Paw" both belong to the genre of horror, but they differ considerably in their use of literary language. Jackson’s story employs minimalist language and an ordinary setting to create a chilling effect, contrasting the mundane with the sinister. The use of symbolism, notably the black box, underscores themes of tradition and blindly followed rituals. Jacobs’ story, meanwhile, hinges on mysterious and ominous diction, with dialogues that build suspense and introduce foreshadowing, particularly through the eerieness of the monkey’s paw itself.

Comparison of Literary Techniques and Their Effects

Both stories utilize symbolism effectively. In "The Lottery", the black box symbolizes the unquestioned perpetuation of tradition, while in "The Monkey’s Paw", the paw itself symbolizes the danger of interfering with fate. The tone in each story further amplifies the supernatural theme; Jackson creates a ceremonious but sinister tone, exposing the darkness in societal conformity. Jacobs constructs a foreboding tone, emphasizing inevitable tragedy and human hubris. These narrative techniques cultivate an atmosphere where supernatural elements seem both mysterious and threatening, illuminating human vulnerabilities.

Thematic Analysis Using Literary Terms

The central themes of fate, tradition, and human hubris are explored through the use of allegory and irony. In "The Lottery", the irony of the seemingly innocuous tradition leading to brutal violence critiques societal compliance. The allegorical representation extends to perceptions of conformity and the destructive power of blindly following customs. In "The Monkey’s Paw", the irony manifests in the unintended consequences of wishing, highlighting the peril of tempting fate. Both stories demonstrate that supernatural interventions often reflect human flaws—credulity, greed, and the desire for control.

Critical Interpretation and Conclusion

Applying literary genre analysis and symbolism, it's evident that both stories utilize supernatural elements not merely for scare tactics but as reflections on broader societal and psychological themes. Jackson’s story warns against the dangers of tradition without question, while Jacobs’ narrative explores the peril of wishing upon supernatural forces. The shared use of symbolism and tone enhances their supernatural atmospheres and underscores their cautionary messages. Ultimately, these stories exemplify how supernatural fiction can serve as a mirror for human nature’s complexities.

References

• Jackson, S. (1948). "The Lottery". The New Yorker.
• Jacobs, W. W. (1902). "The Monkey’s Paw". The Spectator.
• Cuddon, J. A. (2013). A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Wiley-Blackwell.
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