AN INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE: CRITICAL OR NOT?
ENC 1102 - Dr. Blanchard - Spring Semester, 2011
__________________
A Note of Explanation: Twelve statements from a hypothetical critical essay follow below.
These statements refer to the short story by Kate Chopin entitled "The Story of an Hour."
This exercise is meant to determine your understanding of what a critical essay is. You should
read both the story and the handout "Critical Essays: A Summary Definition" before completing
this exercise. Refer to this handout as necessary when completing the exercise.
Directions: After you have read both the story and the "Summary Definition," read each of the
twelve statements which follows below. If you think a statement is the kind of statement
appropriate to a critical essay, check the line labeled "Yes" after the statement. If you think the
statement is not appropriate in a critical essay, check the line labeled "No."
This is a participation exercise only. The key used to grade this exercise will be the following:
11-12 correct answers = v++
5-8 correct answers = v
9-10 correct answers = v+ 3-4 correct answers = v-
0-2 correct answers = Θ
To receive credit for completing this participation exercise, you must turn it in no later than
class time on Wednesday, January 19.
1)
Louise Mallard reminds me of my Aunt Sheila.
____ ____
Yes No
2)
The author uses spring and imagery associated with spring to help describe Louise
Mallard's feelings after she hears of her husband's death.
____ ____
Yes No
3)
Many women in the U. S. today feel about marriage the way Louise Millard feels in this
story.
____ ____
Yes No
4)
Obviously, Mrs. Mallard's doctors didn't understand what she was really feeling.
____ ____
Yes No
5)
"The Story of an Hour" is a boring story because nothing ever happens in it.
____ ____
Yes No
6)
I think Richards is happy to hear Brentley Mallard was killed because he wants to marry
Louise.
____ ____
Yes No
7)
Louise Mallard is an unconventional woman.
____ ____
Yes No
ENC 1102: Introductory Exercise (2)
8)
When the action of the story occurs is important because it helps to illuminate Louise's
position as a woman in her society.
____ ____
Yes No
9)
Kate Chopin obviously did not like men.
____ ____
Yes No
10)
Louise Mallard is not happily married.
____ ____
Yes No
11)
The writer's language brings the reader right into the bedroom with Louise Mallard.
____ ____
Yes No
12)
As strange as it may seem to some, Louise would rather be dead than married.
____ ____
Yes No
END OF EXERCISE