Discussion T

T. Coraghessan Boyle, “Greasy Lake” • Raymond Carver, “Cathedral” • Ralph Ellison, “Battle Royal” • Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” • Tillie Olsen, “I Stand Here Ironing” • Daniel Orozco, “Orientation” • George Saunders, “The 400-Pound CEO”

Limit the scope of your essay to one of these stories; each should provide plenty of potential approaches. Also read the biographical headnotes preceding the stories, which provide some insight and background. Some possible approaches are listed below. Note that these are broad approaches, only beginning points. It is your job to narrow and limit these in order to properly fit the scope of your essay. If you have another idea which isn’t listed, please check with me first. • One or more of the literary terms we discuss as they apply to short stories (metaphor, symbol, setting, character, tone, etc.). • Conflict(s) rooted in gender, race, age, culture, and/or economic class • Societal “norms”: how do characters function within and/or rebel against their communities? • Male/female relationships • Manhood, womanhood: how do characters fit and not fit traditional gender roles? • Parental roles • How male and/or female characters deal with trauma or misfortune • Family relationships

1.   What is the writer’s main idea (or thesis statement)?  (Remember, this is not only the topic but an assertion made about the topic—a statement which needs to be defended and supported and which indicates the path the essay will follow.)  How well does the introduction lead into the thesis statement?

2.   What are the main supporting points the writer makes in the body paragraphs to back up the thesis statement?  Write at least two, if possible.

3.   How effectively does the conclusion wrap up the discussion?

4.   List at least two places where the writing grabs your attention or is well worded.  Why do these places stand out?

5.   List at least two places that need more illustration or explanation.  Why do these places stand out?