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HOME CCHS Library netTrekker log-in Handbook of Literary Terms ("The Yellow Packet") Literary Terms Poetry Links Integrating Quotations Writing Help CCHS English Department	Writing Workshop Short Story Assignment Wednesday, Jan. 4th: We are going to be writing short stories in class while focusing on the three C’s: characterization, conflict, and climax. As you know, the defining characteristic of a short story is that all literary elements are focused toward a single, unifying effect. In order to get a sense of the short story genre, we are going to read a few stories together, and then respond to them. Focus: Characterization Step One: Follow along closely as we read aloud Langston Hughes' "Thank You Ma'm" http://www.geocities.com/cyber_explorer99/hughesthankyou.html Step Two: Fill out the character chart for the short story focusing either on Roger or Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Thursday, January 5th: Focus: Conflict Step One: Reflect on yesterday's story "Thank You Ma'm" and answer the following questions: 1. The story opens with a physical conflict between Roger, trying to steal the purse, and Mrs. Jones. In what ways is the result of the conflict, Roger lying on the ground, unexpected. How does it add humor to the story? 2. What do you think is Roger's internal conflict when he is in Mrs. Jones' apartment deciding whether or not to run out? Why doesn't he run when he seems to have the chance? Step Two: Read "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara 1. Why do you think Sylvia, the narrator, hates Miss Moore "and her...college degree" (72)? What is her conflict with Miss Moore? 2. Do you think she really hates her or is something else really bothering Sylvia? 3. How do you think Miss Moore feels toward Sylvia? 4. As the children are examining the sailboat in the toy shop, Sylvia describes how "...Sugar run a finger over the whole boat. And [Sylvia's] jealous and want to hit her. Maybe not her, but [she] sure want to punch somebody in the mouth" (76). Describe what you think Sylvia is in conflict over here. Why does she want to use violence as a result? 5. At the end of the story and after the characters have returned home, Sylvia describes how "...Miss Moore looks at [her], sorrowfully.... And somethin weird is goin on, [Sylvia] can feel it in [her] chest" (77). What is going on for Sylvia? Describe the conflict she is experiencing. 6. In what ways do these conflicts (reflected in questions 1-5) contribute to the theme or "lesson" of the story? What is the point of the story? Friday, January 6th Focus: Climax (Plot Development) Step One: Click on the netTrekker log-in link at the left. Follow the instructions and type in "short story" as your searcha and click on the second selection. Step Two: Read the page on "The Elements of the Short Story" Step Three: Read "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver Step Four: For each stage of the plot (exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement), briefly identify each of these elements in "Cathedral" using complete sentences. Monday, January 9th: We will discuss the plot of each story and see if there are any questions about "Cathedral" specifically. We will talk about point of view for each story, and how each story begins by rereading the first paragraph of each. Next you will start developing a character yourself! Creating a Character: Use the character resume to practice creating a character in your mind. If you end up using this character in your story- terrific! If you choose not to use him or her, that will be fine as well.

Writing Workshop
Short Story Assignment

Wednesday, Jan. 4th:

We are going to be writing short stories in class while focusing on the three C’s: characterization, conflict, and climax.

As you know, the defining characteristic of a short story is that all literary elements are focused toward a single, unifying effect. In order to get a sense of the short story genre, we are going to read a few stories together, and then respond to them.

Focus: Characterization

Step One: Follow along closely as we read aloud Langston Hughes' "Thank You Ma'm"
http://www.geocities.com/cyber_explorer99/hughesthankyou.html

Step Two: Fill out the character chart for the short story focusing either on Roger or Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.

Thursday, January 5th:

Focus: Conflict

Step One: Reflect on yesterday's story "Thank You Ma'm" and answer the following questions:

1. The story opens with a physical conflict between Roger, trying to steal the purse, and Mrs. Jones. In what ways is the result of the conflict, Roger lying on the ground, unexpected. How does it add humor to the story?

2. What do you think is Roger's internal conflict when he is in Mrs. Jones' apartment deciding whether or not to run out? Why doesn't he run when he seems to have the chance?

Step Two: Read "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara
1. Why do you think Sylvia, the narrator, hates Miss Moore "and her...college degree" (72)? What is her conflict with Miss Moore?

2. Do you think she really hates her or is something else really bothering Sylvia?

3. How do you think Miss Moore feels toward Sylvia?

4. As the children are examining the sailboat in the toy shop, Sylvia describes how "...Sugar run a finger over the whole boat. And [Sylvia's] jealous and want to hit her. Maybe not her, but [she] sure want to punch somebody in the mouth" (76). Describe what you think Sylvia is in conflict over here. Why does she want to use violence as a result?

5. At the end of the story and after the characters have returned home, Sylvia describes how "...Miss Moore looks at [her], sorrowfully.... And somethin weird is goin on, [Sylvia] can feel it in [her] chest" (77). What is going on for Sylvia? Describe the conflict she is experiencing.

6. In what ways do these conflicts (reflected in questions 1-5) contribute to the theme or "lesson" of the story? What is the point of the story?

Friday, January 6th

Focus: Climax (Plot Development)

Step One: Click on the netTrekker log-in link at the left. Follow the instructions and type in "short story" as your searcha and click on the second selection.

Step Two: Read the page on "The Elements of the Short Story"

Step Three: Read "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver

Step Four: For each stage of the plot (exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement), briefly identify each of these elements in "Cathedral" using complete sentences.

Monday, January 9th:

We will discuss the plot of each story and see if there are any questions about "Cathedral" specifically.

We will talk about point of view for each story, and how each story begins by rereading the first paragraph of each.

Next you will start developing a character yourself!

Creating a Character: Use the character resume to practice creating a character in your mind. If you end up using this character in your story- terrific! If you choose not to use him or her, that will be fine as well.