English IV AP Lit & Comp.

Short Story Bootcamp

Plot/Narrative Structure

Activity—read story like a play (middle of page 127 paragraph 23). Read to middle of 127. Assign various students dialogue of Mrs. Peebles, Dr. Peebles, Joey, Heather, and Loretta and Edie’s narration.

Alice Munro uses in media res to open this story. What is the effect of this technique on characterization: what picture do we get of Edie and some of the minor characters as we see them in a high point of action?

“How I Met My Husband”

  1. A foil is a character who contrasts markedly with another character, usually the protagonist in order to emphasize the traits of the primary character. How do the minor characters function as a foil to the Edie? Trace the words and actions of minor characters:

·  Loretta Bird

·  Mrs. Peebles

·  Alice Kelling

·  Chris Watters

·  Carmichael

  1. Are there details in Edie’s storytelling that help us relate to her when she was younger? Do you like her? Why or why not? Consider specific details and direct quotes that influence how you feel about her.
  1. What is she like as a storyteller? Knowing what we know at the end of the story, it’s surprising Edie doesn’t remember Chris Watters with more bitterness and angst, but she recalls his kindness and kisses fondly. Describe the interaction between memory and perception. How do these examples show how Edie’s perceptions and attitude have shaped not only her reminisces but her sense of self.
  1. What were some clues that prepared you for the story’s ending? Do you think Carmichael is better for Edie than Chris Watters would have been? Did the title lead you astray a bit?
  1. What is Edie’s epiphany and how does it impact her life? Does she truly love Carmichael and her life, or is the ending bittersweet? Does she regret losing the one who got away? What clue might you find in Edie’s decision to spare her husband—who believes she “went after him” waiting by the mailbox every day—the truth that she had been pining over Chris?

“Interpreter of Maladies”

Select one of the following topics to respond to as and after you read. Make sure you cite with page and paragraph numbers.

1.  Mr. Kapasi notices almost immediately that Mr. and Mrs. Das are young parents. Discuss and evaluate their parenting behavior and choices.

2.  What kind of relationship does Mr. Kapasi fantasize having with Mrs. Das? How does the interaction between these two characters create suspense? What changes Mr. Kapasi’s thoughts?

3.  Contrast the language, behavior, and apparent social status of the Das family with that of Mr. Kapasi. What judgments do you make based on these contrasts?

4.  List and examine references to the camera and photographs, the mirror, the monkeys, and the tourist sites. What could each reference symbolize? Select at least three to discuss in detail.

5.  Lahiri describes her characters’ clothing with much detail. Write down specific references to clothing, briefly indicating how these details reflect the characters and set up tension in the story.

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