Theme
By the due date assigned, post your response of at least 150-200 words to the Discussion Area. By the end of the week, comment on at least two of your classmates’ submissions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must choose one of the stories below to work from for your Week 4 & Week 5 assignments in order to receive credit.
Gaiman’s “How to Talk to Girls at Parties”
Kincaid’s “Girl”
O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
Updike’s “A&P”
Walker’s “Everyday Use”
Prompt:
Select one of the stories assigned by your instructor, and develop a one- or two-paragraph response to the following:
Identify one of the main themes used in the story. Explain the message the author is conveying by telling the story in this way.
Provide at least one specific example and at least one quotation from the story to illustrate your point.
Discuss how this message affects your reading and interpretation of the story. Is the story more effective or powerful because this theme is included?
Theme refers to the underlying messages or major ideas presented in the story. The author presents some belief about life by telling the story in a certain way. You, as the reader, can interpret what message you received from reading the story, but you must be able to offer evidence to support your viewpoint by sharing examples and quotations from the story.
Tips
Remember to provide evidence for your claims in the form of quoted passages from the story. Quotations, paraphrases, and summaries should be cited according to APA rules of style, including in-text and reference citations. Quoted material should not exceed 25% of the document.
Check grammar and spelling before posting.
Your replies to classmates should be at least a paragraph in length and made with an eye to expand, clarify, defend, and/or refine their thoughts. Consider asking questions to further meaningful conversation. Participation must be completed by the end of the week to earn credit.
