“Where Are You Going, Where have you been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, and “Chrysanthemums,” by John Steinbeck, contain realistic details, yet the conclusions may be a surprise . . . or not.
Read both stories and then take notes on the questions and ideas below. Don't forget to review the previous class notes and blog post on identifying characteristics and motivations of characters.
In-class Essay Preparation Notes:
In each story, identify the characteristics of opposing characters--Arnold Friend and Connie in “Where Are You Going . . .?” and Elisa Allen, Henry Allen, and the repair man in “Chrysanthemums.” How do their characteristics and motivations create conflict and lead to each story’s conclusion?
In each story, who are the protagonists and antagonists, or can the characters be classified that way?
According to our textbook, a symbol is "a thing that suggests more than its literal meaning" (Kennedy & Gioia 229). Identify any important objects that may represent something about the characters, situations, or ideas in the story.
What is the theme (main idea) of each story? Consider what each story dramatizes for the reader about power, manipulation, and sexuality?
For the Essay
This will be a 45-minute essay with a topic based on the readings and above preparation notes. You may use your book and one hand-written page of notes (front & back if you need it). You may not have an essay draft already written. The essay must be composed in-class.
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