American Literature, Regionalism and Naturalism

Part One: Compose a paragraph that applies a Marxist reading to any of the stories from this week. Be sure to ask yourself ( and answer) the kinds of questions discussed in this week’s lecture.

Part Two: Which of the characters this week did you feel the most sympathy for? Who did you most identify with? Why? Who did you feel the least sympathy for? Why?

Part Three: In “The Open Boat,” lines of philosophy about man’s fate and his reward for trying hard are repeated throughout. Quote a line of this story that stands out to you as expressing something philosophical about life. Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not?

Instructions: Your initial discussion should be at least 250 words. It must include MLA citations – both in-text and an end citation.

READINGS:

Stephen Crane: Author Bio

Stephen Crane: “The Open Boat”
Jack London: Author Bio
Jack London: “To Build a Fire”
Sarah O. Jewett: “A White Heron”
Willa Cather: “Paul’s Case”

Anthony Channell Hilfer “Nature as a Protagonist in ‘The Open Boat'”

Chapter 5: “The Rise of Realism”