“ everyday use ” – one paragraph per number 1 H u m a n i t i e s

English 1102 Online – Ms. Taylor

The Short Stories Discussion Questions
Note:this assignment counts as an essay grade, but it will not be written as an essay.All 5
stories must be discussed.

Set the assignment page up as an MLA document.Then respond to each numbered question in a fully developed paragraph (eight or 10 sentences). Note:Do not include the questions in your response.Use the title of the respective story (punctuated correctly) as the heading for each section. Note: if you quote directly from the story, you must include a works cited page at the end of the paper. Note: titles of short stories are placed in quotation marks.

“Everyday Use” – one paragraph per number
1.Write a brief character sketch of Mama.2.Write a brief character sketch of Maggie.3.Write a brief character sketch of Dee.4.What is the theme of the story?What part does the quilt play in illustrating the theme?
“The Lottery”
1.This story is about outdated traditions that have lost their usefulness and have become harmful to society:racial prejudice, hazing, etc.With that in mind, think (and write) about the following characters and whom and/or what attitudes they represent in our society: Old Man Warner, the Adams family, Tessie, and Mr. Summers.(Note:these may all be included in one paragraph.
“The Cask of Amontillado” – one paragraph per number
1.Look up the following words from the first paragraph of the story:avenged, precluded, impunity, unredressed, retribution, avenger.Now summarize the opening paragraph of the story.In other words, why and how is the protagonist going to commit the crime? 2.This is a horror story.How does Poe produce horror?
“The Destructors”
1.What effects of war do we see in the boys in this story?
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” – one paragraph per number
1.What (details, events, roles, etc.) do Walter Mitty’s fantasies have in common? 2.What specific details (sounds, situations, people, etc.) from his real life seem to trigger and appear in these fantasies? 3.Why does he spend so much of his life in his imagination?What aspects of his life do his fantasies compensate for, or perhaps shield him from?(can be answered in one paragraph)