AP Literature Short Story Group Presentation

In groups offour or five you will sign up for one of the following stories. Story selection is a competitive process—first come, first served. Don’t select a story based on its length or on its title—take some time to skim through the stories to find one that piques your curiosity (Beware: Some stories are scheduled for discussion sooner than other stories).

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor, pg. 445

“Eveline” by James Joyce, pg. 532

“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman—Read online

“The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D.H. Lawrence, pg. 721

“A & P” by John Updike, pg. 753

“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, pg.757

“The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, pg. 416

“Barn Burning” by William Faulkner, pg. 499

“IND AFF, or Out of Love in Sarajevo” by Fay Weldon, pg. 201

“The Lady with the Pet Dog” by Chekhov, pg. 235

“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Marquez—Read online

Everyone will read all of the stories. Each group will “teach” its story to the class. In order to teach your story you are expected to prepare the following:

  1. Read the story carefully, taking analytical notes.
  2. A short story worksheet (see attached).
  3. A five question reading quiz (short answer).
  4. Discussion questions.
  5. An outline of the literary critical lenses (pgs 2079-2102 in BEDFORD)
  6. Detailed analysis of story through an additional critical lens (OTHER THAN Formalist!)
  7. A handout for your classmates.

All six parts listed above are due at the beginning of the period on

the day of your presentation.

On the day your group is assigned to teach your story, I will administer the reading quiz and you will lead the discussion. Refer to your short story worksheet and discussion questions to prompt an engaging whole-class discussion. Remember to refer to Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professorand your Bedford text for insights. At the end of the discussion, and as part of the overall presentation grade, you will be evaluated by your peers.

Be sure you communicate with all members of your group and be sure to include all group members in the planning and the actual presentation/discussion. If for any reason one of your group members is absent on the day of your presentation, you are still expected to present your story.

Presentations begin on Monday, October 31st