Short Story
The Kayak
Intro
Why do people tell stories?
What is the difference between stories about real
events, and stories about fictional events? Which
do you like better?
 What are some stories you remember, or like?
 Vonnegut Advice: Short Stories
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American author Kurt Vonnegut combined satiric social commentary
and black comedy with surrealist and science fictional elements. His
best known works are Player Piano (1952), Cat's Cradle (1963),
Slaughterhouse-Five (1969; film, 1972), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
Known for his outspoken political opinions,Vonnegut also produced a
host of essays, articles, and short stories. A number of his works have
been translated into television or film, and he graced a few of these
with cameo appearances. Vonnegut was also a graphic artist, and
illustrated a number of his works himself.
Investigating the Model
1) The lead of a story should catch the
reader’s attention, identify main character,
introduce conflict, define setting, and
establish point of view. Does “The Kayak”
accomplish this?
 2) The plot revolves around a conflict.
Identify an external and internal conflict,
and tell how they are related.
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Investigating the Model
3) Authors often use details of setting to
reflect on the character’s state of mind.
Find an example of this.
 4) What point of view is this story
written? Why did Debbie Spring choose
this point of view?
 5) Physical details: identify two passages
that provide details about character’s
appearance.
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Investigating the Model
6)What do you feel is the theme?
 Work through Writer’s Workshop
pp. 39 – 40
 The Kayak.mov
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Grammar
Pronoun – word that takes the place of
a noun
 Preposition – word that shows the
relationship between a noun or pronoun
and another word in the same sentence.
 Conjunction – joining word that
connects words or groups of words –
and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor
 Interjection – word that shows strong
feeling or emotion
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