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Short Story Unit and Persuasive Writing: List of Readings for Eng, 111 Sept—Oct
Week 1: Sept 8—12
Story: “Two Words” by Isabel Allende: Magical realism is introduced. Focus of this story is the
power of language on multiple levels. Students write an analysis of the power of language through a
demand writing exercise by using a quote from the story as a prompt for the response. This is a 60
minute timed assignment in class. As the semester progresses, the time limit will be reduced
gradually to 40 minutes. [Source: Echoes]
Essay: “It’s Time to Think About Visors” by Ken Dryden [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Week 2: Sept 15—19
Story: “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner: Focus of this story is to discuss the use of
narrative technique, description and diction. Students write an analysis essay by applying the
DIDLS concept to the story. [Source: Online]
Essay: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Lynn Coady [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Week 3: Sept 22—26
Story: The Labrador Fiasco by Margaret Atwood: Story is used as a tool for instruction in close
reading with a focus on plot, theme, and diction. This leads into the second demand writing task for
this unit: a 60 minute, timed discussion of theme. Students are allowed to use the text during this
activity and must show a seamless use of quotes to support analysis. (Students have been
instructed on this methodology and each student has access to MLA format, which outlines this
technique). [Source: Imprints & Online]
Essay: “Whose Loathe?” by Ursula K. Le Guin [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Week 4: Sept 29—Oct 3
“Mirror Image” by Lena Coakley: Emphasis is on narrative technique, use of imagery and
character. Close reading of character development to lead into a demand writing prompt in the
form of a single quotation to discuss how Coakley reveals character. [Source: Imprints & Online]
Essay: “Alarm Bells for Civilization” by Gwynne Dyer [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Week 5 and 6: Oct 6—17
Story: Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Cask of
Amontillado”: Focus of this section is on writing style with the application of DIDLS for an analysis
of Poe’s writing leading into an analysis of devices used to create setting and atmosphere. Focus is
also on narrative technique. Students are then assigned an 800 word essay in which they prove that
Poe is the master of creating atmosphere. [Source: Imprints & Online]
2 Essays: “Of Studies” by Sir Francis Bacon [Source: Imprints Volume II]
“Progress” by Alan Lightman [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Week 7: Oct 20—24
Essay: “The Time Factor” by Gloria Steinem [Source: Imprints Volume II]
Midterm
Note: Links to online stories available at: http://tarafinnigan.weebly.com/short-stories.html