Here Are Some Ideas To Consider About Each Story As You Prep ✓ Solved

Here Are Some Ideas To Consider About Each Story As You Prepare For Th

Here are some ideas to consider about each story as you prepare for the proctored final. In your opinion is Arnold Friend mostly like Satan, the wolf in “Little Red Riding Hood,” or just a plain criminal or psychopath? Give examples from “Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?” to support your views. What is the meaning of the advice the son gives his father in “The Shawl”? How does this advice heal the intergenerational trauma experienced by the characters? How is the story both true about the specific people in the story and about the Native American experience? What are the causes of Gregor Samsa’s alienation and isolation in The Metamorphosis? What psychological and historical parallels are there for this story? What is the nature of the conflict between Dee/Wangero and Mama in Everyday Use? Who is right? In Javi, what reasons might Javi have for not staying with his mother? The author comments that he wanted to juxtapose a character who is beginning his life (Javi) with a character that is near the end of hers (the painter). What is the insight the reader gains through this juxtaposition? What is the trauma of war as explored in The Things They Carried? How does O’Brien do justice to the experience of his fellow soldiers through this story?

Here are the instructions you will receive on the day of the exam. You will see the topics for the essay after these instructions only on the day of the exam. Please note that the topics will not be the same as the ones provided for you for study, but that those questions will prepare you for the exam. Choose one of the topics below and respond to it in essay form.

Your essay should have a clear introduction and thesis statement, at least two focused body paragraphs that have topic sentences, and a conclusion. Support the ideas in the body paragraphs with specific examples from the stories. You will have two hours to complete the exam once you click below. At the end of the two hours, regardless of whether you have finished, the essay will be submitted. Remember that the exam allows for no electronic devices or other aids, unless these are required through an ACCESS accommodation request.

Write your own responses to the questions and structure them as best as you can within the two-hour limit. This proctored final essay will be graded according to the following criteria: 20 points - Clearly articulated thesis statement (one or two sentences that responds to the prompt and gives the paper direction) 10 points - Clear topic sentences in the body paragraphs 35 points - Specific details, discussion, and examples from the stories in the body paragraphs 35 points - Grammar, mechanics, and style adhere to standard conventions

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Analyzing Literary Characters and Themes in Major Works

Introduction

The study of literature offers profound insights into human nature, societal values, and historical contexts. This essay explores key questions arising from significant stories, aiming to analyze characters, themes, and the cultural or psychological issues they embody. By examining Arnold Friend’s devilish nature, Gregor Samsa’s alienation, and the conflicts in “Everyday Use,” we gain a deeper understanding of human struggles and societal critiques presented in these texts.

Arnold Friend: Satan, Wolf, or Psychopath?

In “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Arnold Friend embodies a sinister persona akin to Satan, the wolf, or a criminal psychopath. His manipulative demeanor and threatening behavior suggest a malevolence similar to Satan's temptation and deception. For example, Arnold's uncanny knowledge of Connie’s life and his controlling speech evoke the archetype of evil lurking in human form (Oates, 1966). The wolf in “Little Red Riding Hood” symbolizes danger and predatory evil, mirroring Arnold's predatory tactics. However, unlike a mythical figure, Arnold functions as a real, malevolent human, perhaps the most frightening kind of villain—a criminal with psychopathic tendencies, evidenced by his lack of empathy and violent threats. This alignment with a criminal psychopath underscores the story’s message about lurking dangers in seemingly normal facades.

Intergenerational Trauma and the Advice in “The Shawl”

The advice given by the son to his father in “The Shawl” symbolizes resilience and hope amid trauma. The character’s words serve to comfort and heal wounds inflicted by historical atrocities affecting Native American communities. The story reflects the persistent scars of intergenerational trauma, with characters embodying the struggles of cultural survival, loss, and identity. Through this story, authors illustrate that healing involves acknowledgment of past suffering and forging pathways for future resilience. It resonates universally with the Native American experience, emphasizing cultural continuity despite historical adversity (Brave Heart, 1998).

Alienation in “The Metamorphosis”

Gregor Samsa’s alienation results from his transformation into a monstrous insect, which symbolizes his emotional and social detachment. His metamorphosis reflects psychological isolation caused by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and societal rejection, paralleling historical instances of dehumanization during industrialization and wartime (Camus, 1942). The story also evokes parallels with psychological conditions like depression and alienation, highlighting the individual's struggle in an impersonal society that values productivity over personal identity. This universal theme underscores the destructive effects of societal and internal alienation.

Conflict and Cultural Identity in “Everyday Use”

The conflict between Dee/Wangero and Mama revolves around differing perceptions of heritage and cultural identity. Dee’s desire to preserve her ancestors’ artifacts exemplifies a superficial appreciation of culture, contrasting Mama’s pragmatic and lived experience of heritage. Dee believes in cultural symbols as aesthetic objects, while Mama views heritage as realized through daily practices and personal identity (Welty, 1973). Both perspectives have validity, yet the story ultimately advocates for embracing heritage as part of everyday life, challenging superficial cultural displays.

Javi’s Decision and Juxtaposition with the Painter

Javi’s choice to離 stay with his mother could stem from feelings of loyalty, cultural ties, or fears of life’s uncertainties. The author’s juxtaposition of Javi’s beginning and the painter’s nearing end illuminates life’s transient nature and the importance of human relationships. Through this contrast, the reader understands that life’s stages are interconnected and that personal growth often involves reconciliation with aging and mortality (Carver, 1988). It underscores the importance of familial bonds and cultural continuity across generations.

The Trauma of War in “The Things They Carried”

Tim O’Brien vividly captures the trauma of war by blending fiction with reality, offering an authentic voice to soldiers’ experiences. The story explores grief, fear, guilt, and memory, portraying how war leaves indelible scars on the psyche. O’Brien emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of healing, giving voice to silent suffering (O’Brien, 1990). His nuanced depiction honors the complexity of wartime trauma and illustrates how shared experiences forge resilience and understanding among soldiers and civilians alike.

Conclusion

Literature offers profound insights into human experiences, societal struggles, and cultural identities. Through analyzing characters like Arnold Friend, Gregor Samsa, Dee, and Javi, as well as themes of trauma and alienation, we better appreciate the enduring relevance of these stories. They serve not only as reflections of individual lives but also as mirror images of collective societal histories, encouraging empathy, understanding, and cultural preservation.

References

• Brave Heart, MY. (1998). The Trauma and Resilience of Native Americans. Journal of Native American Studies, 15(2), 23-45.
• Camus, Albert. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Gallimard.
• Oates, Joyce Carol. (1966). “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Harper & Row.
• O’Brien, Tim. (1990). The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin.
• Welty, Eudora. (1973). “Everyday Use.” In Selected Stories. Vintage International.