Plot
Throughout the story, the plot does not follow a specific and certain path. While it appears to be leading up to one turning point, it quickly changes and follows another. The exposition begins as characters are being introduced and Precrime is being explained. The story then leads the reader to believe that Witwer is after Anderton's job; therefore, Anderton is going to kill him in order to retain his position. However, as the story begins down what is thought to be the rising action toward the climax, a surprising revelation is made as Anderton discovers "Ed Witwer was not listed as his victim. On line five, the machine had neatly stamped another name. LEOPOLD KAPLAN" (page 126). This is only the beginning of the surprising series of turns in the plot that continue until the very end of the story. The various characters with false identities and intentions all carry the story down a twisted plot that ultimately leads up to the major climax at the end when Anderton discovers the truth of the minority reports and kills Kaplan. This winding plot creates suspense as the reader wonders what will really happen next. It also prevents the ending from being anticipated which makes the final ending a shocking revelation.
Point of View
This story is told from the third person point of view. An unknown narrator tells the story, but this narrator zooms in to focus on the thoughts and feelings of only one character. This story consists of a lot of dialogue between the characters. The narrator tells the story as the characters interact with one another. However, the story takes a main focus on Anderton. The story revolves around the work and actions of Anderton. It shows how other people and outside factors have an impact on his life. The story begins, "The first thought Anderton had when he saw the young man was: I'm getting bald. Bald and fat and old. But he didn't say it aloud. Instead, he pushed back his chair, got to his fee, and came resolutely around the side of his desk, his right hand rigidly extended. Smiling with forced amiability, he shook hand with the young man" (page 119). This point of view allows the story to take on a personal and sympathetic viewpoint of Anderton. It is not told directly from him because that would eliminate the effects achieved by having outside thoughts and feelings of others. The third person point of view allows for the story to show others' sides of the story instead of just the way Anderton sees it. However, focusing in on one specific character allows the reader to connect to that character as they experience the story instead of just hearing about it.
Characterization
For most of the characters, the writer reveals the personality of each character through indirect characterization. The author reveals what the character is like by describing their actions and feelings rather than stating what they are like directly. "Witwer was moving around the office as if he already owned it - as if he were measuring it for size. Couldn't he wait a couple days - a decent interval?" (page 119). During this introduction between Anderton and Witwer, their characteristics and personalities are not stated directly. However, the description reveals Witwer's over-confidence and Anderton's fear of being replaced. Although none of it is clearly written, their personalities can be inferred from their actions and interaction with the other characters. The personalities of all the characters are revealed as the story unfolds and the plot progresses.
Setting
This story is set in a futuristic and nonexistent world. The story takes place in the present; however, it contains pieces of the future that can be seen before they happen. Although the story is not real, it contains some realistic aspects. The real issues of crime, punishment, and free will are presented in the story like they exist in the world today, but many other parts of the story do not exist. The purpose is to display a potentially realistic problem and situation in a way that is nonexistent, futuristic, and fantasy-like. A major setting within the story is a place called Precrime. The Precrime system is "the prophylactic pre-detection of criminals through the ingenious use of mutant precogs, capable of previewing future events and transferring orally that data to analytical machinery" (page 133). This place is the origin and reason for the story. The plot takes place because of Precrime; without it there is no story. Therefore, the setting is a vital part of the story.
Theme
This story presents the theme in a way that seems unrealistic and nonexistent; however, the themes can actually be related to real life. One main theme of the story that is not directly stated but is implied throughout is free will. Precrime is able to detect criminals before they commit their crimes; therefore, it prevents crimes from ever occurring. However, when Anderton learns that he is going to kill a complete stranger in the future, he presents a never before experienced aspect to this pre-detection. By already knowing about his future, Anderton is given the opportunity to change it. He has the free will to either kill Kaplan or let him live. These options are shown in his unique case of having no majority report but instead of having three minority reports. "It can happen in only one circumstance. My case was unique, since I had access to the data. It could happen again - but only to the next Police Commissioner. So watch your step" (page 151). Since Anderton is the only criminal to know about his crime before he committed it, he was given the option to change his mind. This story displays how people have free will and can choose their future based on how they live their present. In addition, this story also shows how people must take responsibility for their actions. Throughout the story the idea of crime and punishment is repeated; criminals must be punished by being put in a "detention camp full of would-be criminals" (page 120). Anderton realizes he will have to take responsibility for his actions if he decides to kill Kaplan. He understands that he must receive the same punishment as the other criminals according to the system of Precrime. In the end, Anderton does decide to kill Kaplan out of free will and what he believes will be best for everyone. He makes his decision, takes action, and accepts his punishment of having to move to a different planet.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
"Miss Brill" ~by Katherine Mansfield
(#4)
Miss Brill's observations about the people she encounters reveal a few different things about her. She enjoys spending her days in the park watching other people live their lives and listening to their conversations. This could show that she is lonely; we never learn anything about her family, so it appears that she does not live with anyone or talk to anyone very often. She sees an "ermine toque" who's actions Miss Brill misinterprets and begins to feel sorry for. She thinks of everyone and everything in the park as part of a play. Whenever she sees people pass or hears their conversations she thinks it is all part of a play which she too is a part of. She goes to the park everyday at the same time and just watches her surroundings. In the end, the boy's comment brings her to a realization. Miss Brill overhears him saying, "Buy why? Because of that stupid old thing at the end there? Why does she come here at all - who wants her? Why doesn't she keep her silly old mug at home?" (page 196) The observations made by Miss Brill reveal her naivety. She is naive about the world around her and what actually goes on in everyday life.
Miss Brill's observations about the people she encounters reveal a few different things about her. She enjoys spending her days in the park watching other people live their lives and listening to their conversations. This could show that she is lonely; we never learn anything about her family, so it appears that she does not live with anyone or talk to anyone very often. She sees an "ermine toque" who's actions Miss Brill misinterprets and begins to feel sorry for. She thinks of everyone and everything in the park as part of a play. Whenever she sees people pass or hears their conversations she thinks it is all part of a play which she too is a part of. She goes to the park everyday at the same time and just watches her surroundings. In the end, the boy's comment brings her to a realization. Miss Brill overhears him saying, "Buy why? Because of that stupid old thing at the end there? Why does she come here at all - who wants her? Why doesn't she keep her silly old mug at home?" (page 196) The observations made by Miss Brill reveal her naivety. She is naive about the world around her and what actually goes on in everyday life.
"Once Upon a Time" ~by Nadine Gordimer
(#6)
The final paragraph is the main conflict in the story. Throughout the story, various events had been leading up to this final ending. The irony of the story is clearly shown in the last paragraph. The whole story is written like a fairytale; the phrases "Once upon a time" and "living happily ever after" are repeated throughout. The final paragraph begins as the mother is reading a fairy story to the little boy before he goes to sleep. The tragic ending happens when the little boy is pretending to be the prince and trying to save the princess by journeying through the terrible thicket of thorns. The tragic irony can be found in the boy's death. The story ends as "the bleeding mass of the little boy was hacked out of the security coil with saws, wire-cutters, choppers, and they carried it - the man, the wife, the hysterical trusted housemaid, and the weeping gardener - into the house" (page 236). A small detail in this last statement contains a very important fact. The little boy is referred to as "the bleeding mass" and "it." He is no longer called "the little boy" or "he." I interpreted this to mean that the little boy is dead. The family tried so hard to protect and to defend their "happily ever after" family that they ended up killing the thing they were trying to keep safe. This shows the theme of the story; the family tried too hard to achieve peace and happiness in their lives that they became paranoid and ultimately destroyed that which they valued most in their lives.
The final paragraph is the main conflict in the story. Throughout the story, various events had been leading up to this final ending. The irony of the story is clearly shown in the last paragraph. The whole story is written like a fairytale; the phrases "Once upon a time" and "living happily ever after" are repeated throughout. The final paragraph begins as the mother is reading a fairy story to the little boy before he goes to sleep. The tragic ending happens when the little boy is pretending to be the prince and trying to save the princess by journeying through the terrible thicket of thorns. The tragic irony can be found in the boy's death. The story ends as "the bleeding mass of the little boy was hacked out of the security coil with saws, wire-cutters, choppers, and they carried it - the man, the wife, the hysterical trusted housemaid, and the weeping gardener - into the house" (page 236). A small detail in this last statement contains a very important fact. The little boy is referred to as "the bleeding mass" and "it." He is no longer called "the little boy" or "he." I interpreted this to mean that the little boy is dead. The family tried so hard to protect and to defend their "happily ever after" family that they ended up killing the thing they were trying to keep safe. This shows the theme of the story; the family tried too hard to achieve peace and happiness in their lives that they became paranoid and ultimately destroyed that which they valued most in their lives.
"A Worn Path" ~by Eudora Welty
(#6)
The question "Is the grandson really dead?" can be prompted by small details in the story. When Phoenix first enters the building, the attendant is confused about who she is and why she is there. Then, the nurse comes in and says, "Oh, that's just old Aunt Phoenix. She doesn't come for herself - she has a little grandson. She makes these trips just as regular as clockwork" (page 229). Phoenix seems to forget the reason she made the journey for a short period of time; she temporarily forgets her grandson. The nurse wonders what has happened to the boy and why he is still sick. Throughout the story, we get the impression that Phoenix makes this trip often and has been doing so for a long time. Another detail to support the theory that the grandson is dead can be found in the nurse's comment to Phoenix, "Throat never heals does it? Yes. Swallowed lye. When was is? - January - two, three years ago - ?" (page 229). We do not know for sure whether or not the grandson is dead, but there is plenty of evidence to support the suspicion. Welty responds to the question, "My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive." This remark could be seen as an answer meaning that it does not matter in the story whether or not the grandson is living of dead. The story is about Phoenix. While the grandson is an important part of the story, his state does not affect the meaning of the story either way. Therefore, the question is irrelevant because it does not matter in the story; this is what the author means in their response.
The question "Is the grandson really dead?" can be prompted by small details in the story. When Phoenix first enters the building, the attendant is confused about who she is and why she is there. Then, the nurse comes in and says, "Oh, that's just old Aunt Phoenix. She doesn't come for herself - she has a little grandson. She makes these trips just as regular as clockwork" (page 229). Phoenix seems to forget the reason she made the journey for a short period of time; she temporarily forgets her grandson. The nurse wonders what has happened to the boy and why he is still sick. Throughout the story, we get the impression that Phoenix makes this trip often and has been doing so for a long time. Another detail to support the theory that the grandson is dead can be found in the nurse's comment to Phoenix, "Throat never heals does it? Yes. Swallowed lye. When was is? - January - two, three years ago - ?" (page 229). We do not know for sure whether or not the grandson is dead, but there is plenty of evidence to support the suspicion. Welty responds to the question, "My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive." This remark could be seen as an answer meaning that it does not matter in the story whether or not the grandson is living of dead. The story is about Phoenix. While the grandson is an important part of the story, his state does not affect the meaning of the story either way. Therefore, the question is irrelevant because it does not matter in the story; this is what the author means in their response.
"Eveline" ~by James Joyce
(#2)
Many aspects of Eveline's present circumstances make it desirable for her to escape her home. Miss Gavan, Eveline's supervisor, would be glad to see Eveline leave. "She had always had an edge on her, especially whenever there were people listening" (page 219). Her father began to threaten her and say what he would do to her only for her dead mother's sake. Eveline's life was filled with people who did not treat her fairly or kindly. All of her family was dead or away from home. Her only remaining family was her father who treated her with violence. At work, her supervisor constantly criticized her work and treated her with disrespect and inferiority. All of these things support her decision to leave. However, she has a brief memory of the time before her mother died. She remembers the time her family went for a picnic and her father put on her mother's bonnet to make the children laugh. This memory makes her doubt her decision and reconsider the option of staying. "It was hard work - a hard life -but now that she was about to leave it she did not find it a wholly undesirable life" (page 220). The memory makes her realize the good aspects of her life rather than just focusing on the bad like she had been doing.
Many aspects of Eveline's present circumstances make it desirable for her to escape her home. Miss Gavan, Eveline's supervisor, would be glad to see Eveline leave. "She had always had an edge on her, especially whenever there were people listening" (page 219). Her father began to threaten her and say what he would do to her only for her dead mother's sake. Eveline's life was filled with people who did not treat her fairly or kindly. All of her family was dead or away from home. Her only remaining family was her father who treated her with violence. At work, her supervisor constantly criticized her work and treated her with disrespect and inferiority. All of these things support her decision to leave. However, she has a brief memory of the time before her mother died. She remembers the time her family went for a picnic and her father put on her mother's bonnet to make the children laugh. This memory makes her doubt her decision and reconsider the option of staying. "It was hard work - a hard life -but now that she was about to leave it she did not find it a wholly undesirable life" (page 220). The memory makes her realize the good aspects of her life rather than just focusing on the bad like she had been doing.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"Bartleby the Scrivener" ~by Herman Melville
(#2)
Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut are introduced to the reader before Bartleby. This is done to create a contrast between the characters. They all have various characteristics which emphasize the characters' personalities. Turkey is older and makes mistakes in his work as the day goes on through the afternoon. Nippers was "always deemed the victim of two evil powers - ambition and indigestion" (page 645). Nippers is about twenty-five years old and has trouble working in the morning. Ginger Nut was a young boy who ran errands at the office. Then, Bartleby is introduced. At first, Bartleby appears to be a great worker at any time of the day. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby begins to use the phrase "I would prefer not to" more and more each day. Turkey and Nippers are the stereotypical workers whose behaviors complement each other. Their work behaviors contrast and complement the behaviors of the others including Bartleby.
Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut are introduced to the reader before Bartleby. This is done to create a contrast between the characters. They all have various characteristics which emphasize the characters' personalities. Turkey is older and makes mistakes in his work as the day goes on through the afternoon. Nippers was "always deemed the victim of two evil powers - ambition and indigestion" (page 645). Nippers is about twenty-five years old and has trouble working in the morning. Ginger Nut was a young boy who ran errands at the office. Then, Bartleby is introduced. At first, Bartleby appears to be a great worker at any time of the day. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby begins to use the phrase "I would prefer not to" more and more each day. Turkey and Nippers are the stereotypical workers whose behaviors complement each other. Their work behaviors contrast and complement the behaviors of the others including Bartleby.
"Everyday Use" ~by Alice Walker
(#1)
The speaker of the story is a woman from the south. She works in the country and is the mother of two daughters. "In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands" (page 174). She reports and interprets the events as she sees them through the eyes of a mother. She sees the ways Maggie and Dee act. She is a reliable source of information because she is the mother of the two girls and has known them their whole lives. However, she refrains from making judgements to compare her two daughters. She does not present the full truth when talking about Maggie's characteristics. Nevertheless, she is still a reliable source because she has seen the two girls throughout their lives and seen how they have changed.
The speaker of the story is a woman from the south. She works in the country and is the mother of two daughters. "In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands" (page 174). She reports and interprets the events as she sees them through the eyes of a mother. She sees the ways Maggie and Dee act. She is a reliable source of information because she is the mother of the two girls and has known them their whole lives. However, she refrains from making judgements to compare her two daughters. She does not present the full truth when talking about Maggie's characteristics. Nevertheless, she is still a reliable source because she has seen the two girls throughout their lives and seen how they have changed.
"Hunters in the Snow" ~by Tobias Wolff
(#3)
Throughout the story, plot and characterization work together. Each of the three characters is described with distinctive characteristics that separate them from the others. Even their names hint at their character types. Tub is a cartoon-like obese man who is often the subject of other people's jokes. Frank is a common man who acts in the typical way that is to be expected. Tub's distinctive character traits relate directly to the turn in the plot. It is because Kenny is always joking with Tub that Kenny gets shot. "I was just kidding around. It was a joke. Oh!" (page 193). Tub misinterprets Kenny's joke and shoots him as an attempt at self-defense. Then, Tub and Frank's uncaring and self-centered characteristics lead them to go to the tavern for food and coffee. Their friend is out in the cold car dying, and they just leave him there to die while they go eat and warm up.
Throughout the story, plot and characterization work together. Each of the three characters is described with distinctive characteristics that separate them from the others. Even their names hint at their character types. Tub is a cartoon-like obese man who is often the subject of other people's jokes. Frank is a common man who acts in the typical way that is to be expected. Tub's distinctive character traits relate directly to the turn in the plot. It is because Kenny is always joking with Tub that Kenny gets shot. "I was just kidding around. It was a joke. Oh!" (page 193). Tub misinterprets Kenny's joke and shoots him as an attempt at self-defense. Then, Tub and Frank's uncaring and self-centered characteristics lead them to go to the tavern for food and coffee. Their friend is out in the cold car dying, and they just leave him there to die while they go eat and warm up.
"Everyday Use" ~by Alice Walker
(#2)
Prior to the events of the story, the mother, Dee, and Maggie lived very different lives. The mother and Maggie lived typical lives of the south in that time. Dee wanted a different life than the one she had. Dee hated her old life before she left to go to college. When the house burned down, Dee just stood there and watched. "I see her standing off under the sweet gum tree she used to dig gum out of; a look of concentration on her face as she watched the last dingy gray board of the house fall in toward the red-hot brick chimney" (page 175). Dee is glad to see her old house burn down; she hated her old life so much that she just wanted it to burn down. However, Maggie and the mother did not share this same feeling. Maggie has lived her life "homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe" (page 173). Maggie and the mother both enjoy the simple life in the country; however, Dee wants more. The purpose of the quilts is to show how the two daughters have contrasting personalities. Dee refused to accept the quilt when she went away to college, showing that she did not want any part of her old life. On the other hand, Maggie values the simple life at home.
Prior to the events of the story, the mother, Dee, and Maggie lived very different lives. The mother and Maggie lived typical lives of the south in that time. Dee wanted a different life than the one she had. Dee hated her old life before she left to go to college. When the house burned down, Dee just stood there and watched. "I see her standing off under the sweet gum tree she used to dig gum out of; a look of concentration on her face as she watched the last dingy gray board of the house fall in toward the red-hot brick chimney" (page 175). Dee is glad to see her old house burn down; she hated her old life so much that she just wanted it to burn down. However, Maggie and the mother did not share this same feeling. Maggie has lived her life "homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe" (page 173). Maggie and the mother both enjoy the simple life in the country; however, Dee wants more. The purpose of the quilts is to show how the two daughters have contrasting personalities. Dee refused to accept the quilt when she went away to college, showing that she did not want any part of her old life. On the other hand, Maggie values the simple life at home.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"A Rose for Emily" ~by William Faulkner
(#3)
Throughout the story, there are clues and hints that all lead toward the conclusion of the story. Small details woven throughout all add together to foreshadow the eventual ending. Emily stops going out into the town and seeing people. She rarely gets visitors, and no one ever enters the house with the exception of her servant and Homer Barron. Then, her house begins to smell and the neighbors complain. Her father died, and she refused to accept it; she denied it until the townspeople almost "had to resort to law and force" (p. 285). One day, she went out and bought arsenic. Many of the townspeople believed this was to kill herself; however, she never used it for that. Emily went "to the jeweler's and ordered a man's toilet set in silver with the letters H.B." (p. 287). She also bought a complete outfit of men's clothing including a nightshirt. After that, Homer Barron was never seen again. These many little details, when all put together, predict the final conclusion to the story. They allow for the reader to anticipate the ending if they pay attention to the foreshadowing details.
Throughout the story, there are clues and hints that all lead toward the conclusion of the story. Small details woven throughout all add together to foreshadow the eventual ending. Emily stops going out into the town and seeing people. She rarely gets visitors, and no one ever enters the house with the exception of her servant and Homer Barron. Then, her house begins to smell and the neighbors complain. Her father died, and she refused to accept it; she denied it until the townspeople almost "had to resort to law and force" (p. 285). One day, she went out and bought arsenic. Many of the townspeople believed this was to kill herself; however, she never used it for that. Emily went "to the jeweler's and ordered a man's toilet set in silver with the letters H.B." (p. 287). She also bought a complete outfit of men's clothing including a nightshirt. After that, Homer Barron was never seen again. These many little details, when all put together, predict the final conclusion to the story. They allow for the reader to anticipate the ending if they pay attention to the foreshadowing details.
"A Rose for Emily" ~by William Faulkner
(#8)
Throughout "A Rose for Emily," the narrator speaks from the third person point of view. Also, they always speak using "we" rather than "I". This creates the sense that the story is told from the viewpoint of one of the townspeople. The narrator is telling the story from an outside perspective. It is told in a way that seems like the story was composed of various gossip that went around town about Emily. The townspeople did not know much about Emily or what went on in her house. All they knew was what they observed from the outside. They saw the servant man enter and leave the house sometimes. They also saw Homer Barron enter the house, but one day they never saw him again. The townspeople talked and gossiped about what they thought was going on with Emily. "She will marry him," "She will persuade him yet," "Poor Emily," and "They are married" (p. 286). These are just a few of the rumors that passed around the town as they observed Emily's life from the outside. In this way, the story serves as "A Rose for Emily." The story is symbolic of a rose. What was once beautiful and good, eventually withers and dies over time. Emily was a beautiful young girl until her father died. Then, she stopped going out in public and started going crazy. After the rose has withered and died, the thorns still remain. This is what happened to Emily after her father's death. She lost the beauty she once possessed and hid away in her home. She finally went crazy with loneliness over time.
Throughout "A Rose for Emily," the narrator speaks from the third person point of view. Also, they always speak using "we" rather than "I". This creates the sense that the story is told from the viewpoint of one of the townspeople. The narrator is telling the story from an outside perspective. It is told in a way that seems like the story was composed of various gossip that went around town about Emily. The townspeople did not know much about Emily or what went on in her house. All they knew was what they observed from the outside. They saw the servant man enter and leave the house sometimes. They also saw Homer Barron enter the house, but one day they never saw him again. The townspeople talked and gossiped about what they thought was going on with Emily. "She will marry him," "She will persuade him yet," "Poor Emily," and "They are married" (p. 286). These are just a few of the rumors that passed around the town as they observed Emily's life from the outside. In this way, the story serves as "A Rose for Emily." The story is symbolic of a rose. What was once beautiful and good, eventually withers and dies over time. Emily was a beautiful young girl until her father died. Then, she stopped going out in public and started going crazy. After the rose has withered and died, the thorns still remain. This is what happened to Emily after her father's death. She lost the beauty she once possessed and hid away in her home. She finally went crazy with loneliness over time.
"Interpreter of Maladies" ~by Jhumpa Lahiri
(#4)
Throughout the story, it appears as though Mrs. Das is leading on Mr. Kapasi. She shows interest in all of his stories about what he has done. Mr. Kapasi interprets the family throughout the time he is driving them. He sees that the family does not get along very well, and they do not value each other in their lives. Mrs. Das ignores her children and acts as though that are just a bothersome burden for her. Mr. Kapasi, having a wife of his own who is uninterested in him, interprets Mrs. Das' actions toward him to be that she is interested in him. Mrs. Das requests his address symbolizing that neither of them are happy with their lives. The significance of losing his address shows that they have both realized what they have in life, and they appreciate those they love instead of looking for more. "No one but Mr. Kapasi noticed. He watched as it rose, carried higher and higher by the breeze, into the trees where the monkeys now sat, solemnly observing the scene below. Mr. Kapasi observed it too, knowing that this was the picture of the Das family he would preserve forever in his mind" (p. 166). This function in the plot suggests a resolution because it shows that both Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi have reached contentment in their lives. Mrs. Das has realized her appreciation for her family and children. Mr. Kapasi has realized that he misinterpreted Mrs. Das' actions, and he finds contentment with his own family and job.
Throughout the story, it appears as though Mrs. Das is leading on Mr. Kapasi. She shows interest in all of his stories about what he has done. Mr. Kapasi interprets the family throughout the time he is driving them. He sees that the family does not get along very well, and they do not value each other in their lives. Mrs. Das ignores her children and acts as though that are just a bothersome burden for her. Mr. Kapasi, having a wife of his own who is uninterested in him, interprets Mrs. Das' actions toward him to be that she is interested in him. Mrs. Das requests his address symbolizing that neither of them are happy with their lives. The significance of losing his address shows that they have both realized what they have in life, and they appreciate those they love instead of looking for more. "No one but Mr. Kapasi noticed. He watched as it rose, carried higher and higher by the breeze, into the trees where the monkeys now sat, solemnly observing the scene below. Mr. Kapasi observed it too, knowing that this was the picture of the Das family he would preserve forever in his mind" (p. 166). This function in the plot suggests a resolution because it shows that both Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi have reached contentment in their lives. Mrs. Das has realized her appreciation for her family and children. Mr. Kapasi has realized that he misinterpreted Mrs. Das' actions, and he finds contentment with his own family and job.
"How I Met My Husband" ~by Alice Munro
(#1)
This short story begins telling the story of Edie and how she met Chris Watters. Throughout the majority of the story, the author leads the reader to believe that Chris Watters is going to end up being Edie's husband. However, the story takes an unexpected twist in the last two paragraphs. Edie finally realizes that Chris Watters is not the man she thought he was. It is through this discovery that she meets the mailman, her future husband. As the story progresses, the plot appears to be following a typical and predictable structure. The story begins with the exposition where the characters are introduced and meet each other. Then, the rising action toward the expected climax begins as the characters interact. However, the expected climax, Edie and Chris ending up together, takes an unexpected turn when Chris Watters leaves and does not write to her. The story ends with Edie meeting and marrying the mailman who she met while waiting for a letter that never came. "He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox every day, and naturally I laugh and let him, because I like for people to think what pleases them and makes them happy" (p. 146). This plot arrangement creates a suspenseful and emotional tone.
This short story begins telling the story of Edie and how she met Chris Watters. Throughout the majority of the story, the author leads the reader to believe that Chris Watters is going to end up being Edie's husband. However, the story takes an unexpected twist in the last two paragraphs. Edie finally realizes that Chris Watters is not the man she thought he was. It is through this discovery that she meets the mailman, her future husband. As the story progresses, the plot appears to be following a typical and predictable structure. The story begins with the exposition where the characters are introduced and meet each other. Then, the rising action toward the expected climax begins as the characters interact. However, the expected climax, Edie and Chris ending up together, takes an unexpected turn when Chris Watters leaves and does not write to her. The story ends with Edie meeting and marrying the mailman who she met while waiting for a letter that never came. "He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox every day, and naturally I laugh and let him, because I like for people to think what pleases them and makes them happy" (p. 146). This plot arrangement creates a suspenseful and emotional tone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)