Week 1 Discussion Forums
ENG 102:
English 102 continues the focus on composition, critical thinking, and research that began in English 101, but now applies these skills toward the study of literature and literary genres. The course begins with an examination of short fiction. After reading both of the short stories in week 1’s “Reading Preparation” section, begin this week’s discussion by responding to one of the following questions below:
1. After reading “The Lottery” and watching the short film version of the story (linked in week 1’s online learning resources section), identify and explain some of the differences, major or minor, between the two versions. Which version do you think is more effective, and why? What advantages in storytelling might the Jackson’s short story have that the film version doesn’t?
2. “The Lottery” depicts a town that enacts violence and cruelty that is justified and accepted as tradition. Where might you see this kind of psychological behavior at work elsewhere- either in history, current events, or in personal experience? Explain.
3. Imagine that you were hired to adapt and direct a short film version of Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour.” Producers demands some changes to the existing story: at least one scene must be added; the story must be set in the present day; and the movie must contain at least one song by a popular artist in its soundtrack, added during a specific scene in the film….
· What scene(s) would you add? What happens in your added scene(s), and why?
· What town/state would your adaptation take place? What else might you decide to change about the characters or plot to make it more modern?
· What artist and what song would you pick for the soundtrack, and where would you place this song in the plot? Remember that producers demand a PG or PG-13 rating- so your song choice should be family-friendly! 🙂
Reading: Attached
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihqT9kmprDk
