How do I interpret Bobbie Ann Mason's short story?

This posting identifies various literary and critical theory elements within the story, "Shiloh." This overview also offers ideas for creating an essay or reader response journal about this piece.

What are some essay ideas in response to Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery?"

This solution offers several essay ideas in response to this short story. It also provides some literary analysis ideas to further interpret the piece.

Dorothy Parker's short stories are discussed.

This posting incorporatea the following questions: How well do you come to know the young women in Parker's story? What is their style? How do they dress, act, and talk? Parker was known for her sharp tongue and malicious wit. Do these show in the style of this story? Why or why not? In Bambara's work, we see the children from uptown through the eyes of one of their own. How does this point of view shape the story as a whole? How does the tough street language that the narrator and her friends speak differ from the genteel middle-class language used by other authors? What distinctive features do you recognize? Do you find the language offensive? Why or why not?

What are some ideas within Alice Walker's nonfiction?

This posting summarizes theme in Walker's nonfiction piece, In Search of Our Mother's Gardens.

What are key features of Emerson's poetry?

This posting provides a brief overview of meaning and Transcendentalism within "Fable," a poem by Emerson.