"The Guest" by Albert Camus (French) 12 1/2 pgs Theme: Differences between Cultures
A French school teacher in occupied Algeria must make crucial decisions when an uprising occurs.
Writing Choice 1: Respond in an essay about these two beliefs of the author Albert Camus and how they are portrayed in the story: Individuals are responsible for giving their own lives meaning and for living their lives passionately and sincerely (existentialism). There is no meaning in the world; we merely warp what we observe to make some meaning out of it (absurdism). What conclusions are presented in "The Guest"? If there is no meaning, but we are still responsible for our lives, then we must make moral decisions without ever knowing the right answers.
Writing Choice 2: Respond to one of the articles below. Clearly agree or disagree with the author's ideas.
"In a Grove" by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japanese) 7 pgs
Various witnesses give testimony in a murder--but which are lying? A complex and contradictory vision of events that brings into question humanity's ability or willingness to perceive and transmit objective truth.
Writing Choice 1: Present a case solving the murder. What does each person expect to gain by claiming credit for the murder? Your response must rely heavily on the testimony given--cite specific testimony by using quotes.
Writing Choice 2: Discuss the differences in culture presented in the text. Americans want a solution; the Japanese love this story as it is. Does the abandonment of the omniscient narrator in favor of a more distant and objective style reflect the Buddhist theme of "the uncertainty of the world?" It may be helpful to view the woodcutter's version of events as depicted in the Kurosawa film.
"A Hunger Artist" by Franz Kafka (a Jew writing in German while living in Prague, the Czech Republic) 9 1/2 pgs
A bizarre show opens up at the edge of town… What does it mean?
Writing Choice 1: Present an interpretation of this highly symbolic work as it portrays the relationship between the artist and society. What are some possible symbolic interpretations of the hunger artist? the impresario? How do you interpret the panther that replaces the dead artist at the end of "A Hunger Artist"? Why is fasting such a powerful symbolic art form? What are some of the "hungers" that it might represent? Shortly before he dies, the hunger artist declares that his art shouldn't be admired. Why not? What do you make of his explanation that he simply couldn't find the foot that he liked? What "food" might have satisfied him?
Writing Choice 2: Respond to Interpretations by Cumming's Study Guides
A strange man-like creature is found. Is it an angel or something else?
Writing Choice 1: Gabriel Garcia Marquez often employs vivid imagery in his writing. In an essay explain how "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" uses imagery and for what purpose. You must use specific quotes from the story and explain how they enhance the story's overall theme through imagery.
Writing Choice 2: Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" is often considered to be a work of magic realism . In an essay explain how this story functions as a work of magical realism using specific quotes from the story as well as a complete definition of magical realism.
Writing Choice 3: Gabriel Garcia Marquez uses Biblical allusions in "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" to discuss the role faith and belief has in our lives. In an essay explain how this story demonstrates how faith affects our lives. Using specific quotes from the story, connect passages to quotes from the Bible, specifically focusing on the overall thematic purpose of Marquez's story.
Writing Choice 4: Peoplein the village feel empathy for the Spider Woman but not for that angel. Why do people react differently to the two?
In an imaginary city, everyone lives the perfect life. There will, however, be a price to pay. Still, most people accept it…
Writing Choice 1: What is a utopia? Does Omelas meet the definition? What is the narrator's opinion of Omelas?
Writing Choice 2: What implied criticism of our own society are evident in the story? Give examples of this problem in modern-day society.
Writing Choice 3: In this story of responsibility and humanity, how do you gauge the value of one versus many? Is the one right to accept suffering? Or is the other right to walk away?
Writing Choice 4: Can this story also be interpreted as symbolic of inner psychology? Are people sometimes asked to lock up their inner child to achieve success in the world?
"In the Shadow of War" by Ben Okri (Nigerian) 3 pgs; pg 970 Literature Text, Holt, Rinehart, Winston Series, Sixth Course (Purple cover)
War affects a village in modern Nigeria and a young man witnesses .
Writing Choice 1: The radio plays a symbolic role in Okri's story. Find all the references to the radio and then write a short essay explaining its significance.
Writing Choice 2: write an essay discussing "In the Shadow of War" as an initiation or rite-of-passage story.
"Boys and Girls" by Alice Munro (Canadian), 8 pages, pg 53 in the green literature book
Are girls biologically different from boys or is it just the way we were brought up? Should men and women have distinct roles in society? Why doesn't the father punish the girl? Why isn't she named?
Writing Choice 1: Write an essay supporting the position that Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" shows that gender differences are natural.
Writing Choice 2: Write an essay supporting the position that Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" shows that gender differences are the result of choices and societal influences.
"Guests of the Nation" by Frank O'Connor (Irish) Not found online, but ask for paper copy.
Hostages are held in the Ireland's war of independence from Britain.
Writing Choice 1: Write an essay describing the bonds of friendship vs. the bonds of duty to one's country.
Writing Choice 2: Write an essay discussing irony in Frank O'Connor's "Guests of the Nation"
"Flight" by John Steinbeck (American) Theme: being a man , being mature
On the Pacific coast of Mexico, a rural boy goes to town and becomes a wanted fugitive.
Writing Choice 1: Craft an essay that addresses the theme of mature manhood in "Flight" by John Steinbeck. think about how a boy often receives differing messages about what a "Real Man" is. What messages has the main character here received? Which were helpful and which were harmful? Articles for further thinking: What Does it Mean to be a Real Man?How to be a Man
Writing Choice 2: Write an essay explaining Symbolism in John Steinbeck's "Flight"
Color symbolism Symbolism of east (birth, good) and west (death, bad) Symbolism of water as life Taking on the mantle (clothing of the mentor)
