Think About All Of The Stories We've Read For This Class

Think About All Of The Stories Weve Read For This Class So Farboys

Think about all of the stories we've read for this class so far: "Boys and Girls" by Alice Munro, "A&P" by John Updike, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates, "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin, "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor, "A Pair of Tickets" by Amy Tan, "Volar" by Diana Trujillo, "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, and "A Wall of Fire Rising" by Edwidge Danticat.

For this journal entry, select two stories from this list. Analyze whether they share a theme, meaning they make the same point in their own ways, or if they share a topic but differ in their themes, meaning they explore different points about the same subject. For example, if two stories about growing up both emphasize the loss of innocence, they share a theme; but if two stories depict growing up differently—one showing rebellion and the other acceptance—they share a topic but have different themes.

Discuss the two stories you choose and explore their themes in depth. How are these themes expressed through the narrative? Consider other literary elements such as symbolism, setting, character development, and imagery that contribute to the themes. Support your analysis with specific quotes from the texts—be sure to include page numbers. Explain whether the theme aligns with or differs from the lesson or message the main characters learn throughout the stories.

Ensure your journal entry is approximately 300 words long. Write in an academic style but do not include an introduction or conclusion—focus directly on analyzing the stories and their themes. Use complete sentences, incorporate relevant details, and proofread carefully to maintain clarity and coherence.