Monday Feb. 1 Assignments

Setting and Atmosphere
Setting
Setting-time, location of story’s action
Atmosphere-conveyed by setting – it is an emotional effect due to the setting and/or events
Atmosphere and mood are the same.
Make a statement about the relationship of setting to theme for every story you encounter.
Setting
Questions to ask:
Does the setting contribute to the overall effectiveness of the story? How?
Does the setting heighten the theme?
Does the setting provide a unique opportunity for the events?
Would a different setting change the story in important ways?
Think of stories we recently read:
“Eveline” – how does the setting contribute to the dreariness and hopelessness of the main character?
“The Things They Carried” – The setting and the events leading up to the company’s first casualty are pivotal to understanding the theme of this story. The setting, may be understood to be as hopeless, as the romantic feelings that the Lieutenant had toward Martha. Also notice that the actions of the men are rote, without meaning, as the war itself was to most of the American public back home, politicians, political junkies, historians.
Setting
How does setting contribute to the theme of these selections”
“Everyday Use”
“The Story of an Hour”
“Desiree’s Baby”
Ask yourself – what would the story be like if the setting was different? It will help you analyze the story you have selected for your paper.
Chapter 10 - Theme
Central idea
Thesis
Underlying meaning
Central truth
Dominating idea
NOT a plot summary
Writing about Theme
Choose supporting details from the plot to explain your thesis.
Do another close read of the work you have selected.
Examine your notes and take out repetitive information.
Place items in order (same order as the thesis states)