Required Reading: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Prompt (2 parts): Olive Kitteridge’s inner life never seems to be in sync with her outer life, namely with regards to how hard it is to love—to love her husband, to love her son, to love others in her life, to love herself. Oftentimes, boundaries define how she connects with other people emotionally. At a glance, these barriers limit her from connecting deeply with those around her; however, after more careful consideration, you may conclude that her understanding of human beings is actually very perceptive.
Part 1: Identify and analyze at least TWO of Olive’s relationships where boundaries are evident. The examples that you use should come from two different characters and cover at least two different chapters. Do not expect to find what the barriers are in a very literal way. This will require some interpreting on your part.
Part 2: Next, give Olive a chance to redeem herself in a perfect world, as she does have some potential for redemption. Pretend that Olive has broken through the boundaries that you have discussed. Given how you have come to know Olive and her traits, what sage advice about relationships would Olive give to ONE of the other characters in the book? Use textual examples as proof for what she might say and be specific with the advice depending on whom she is giving it to, for it should be uniquely fitting for that character’s qualities, issues, and relationship with Olive. Suggestion: think about what that character might need to hear from Olive for the sake of improving the relationship and/or solving a personal problem. Avoid generalizations.
Understanding the Notion of Boundary
Definition: the point at which something ends or beyond which it becomes something else
Interpretation: Understand the boundary to be some kind of block or wall that keeps Olive from connecting deeply with another person. It can also be viewed as a limitation that she cannot go beyond. This wall could be one that she imposes herself, something that she has no control over, something that the other person promotes or even something that she uses as a defense mechanism. It could be something psychological, emotional or circumstantial.
Synonyms: limit, margin, block, barrier, threshold, constraint, maximum, constrain, curb, control, restrict (These synonyms may help you understand the nuances of boundary even more, as not all boundaries are the same.)
Requirements:
3.5-4 complete pages
Reference to at least 2 of the 5 Olive Kitteridge selections assigned
MLA documentation format, including a Works Cited page (Cite each chapter that you use individually.)
Appropriately Creative Title that includes the novel’s title
3rd person point of view
Additional conventions of writing about literature (present tense, quoting, analysis of text)
