Reading Questions – Short fiction

 Each question is worth 50 points. Total 100 points.

 ONLY ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS.
 To receive full credit, answer the question fully –be specific and point back to the text to
elaborate your points.
 Quotes are not necessary. If you use quotes, they should be truly short (less or around six
words).
 A fully developed answer is about a double-spaced page long –so about 300 words.
 Use this document as a template. Keep the question and type your answer underneath. Do
not double space the question. Your answer should be double spaced.
 Due through Turnitin on Sunday, February 14th.

1. Write about the cultural context of "Pilon,” "Girl,” "Discovering America,” "Encounters with
Unexpected Animals," or "Story of an Hour." What atmosphere or mood is created by the
cultural setting? How does the setting add, take away, or transform the story? Does the setting
alienate you, accept you, or create a connection to you or your culture? (Only pick one story)

2. Look at the characters Lambright and Lisa from "Encounters with Unexpected Animals," and
define the power struggle between these characters. You may examine if the characters act in a
way that is consistent with how readers expect them to act.

3. Sitting before the open window, Mrs. Mallard feels "something coming to her"; she feels it
"reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air." These points in
the story may be considered intrapersonal crises that, ultimately, lead to the climax of the story.
What is the "something" that she is beginning to feel and that she finally recognizes in the
climax? Consider multiple meanings of that "something."

4. Discuss the motivation, the reasons behind a character's behavior, and why they do and say what
they do, of Homer and Tobe in the short southern-gothic story "A Rose for Emily." Consider
why Homer befriends Emily and why Tobe stays with Emily until the end. What prompts this
strange character triangle? Point back to specific points within the text to support your opinion.
5. Bonus +10 POINTS possible: Ask your original question and answer it. The more complex and
original your question and answer are, the more points I am willing to give you.