Short Story Analysis using Literary Devices Discussion

Purpose:

This post will be an exercise in finding textual examples of Literary Devices that prove what we are saying about the meaning or overarching theme(s) of the story.

Tasks:

Part 1. Choose one of the short stories that we have read so far. Remember that “Everything that Rises Must Converge” was only provided as a model; you must choose one of the other stories to write about:

“The Paper Menagerie”

Part 2. Discuss why and how the story connects with one or two of the themes discussed in Unit 1:

  • Love (filial, maternal/paternal, romantic, or platonic)
  • Alienation/Otherness
  • The American Dream/Nightmare
  • The Quest for Identity/Coming of Age
  • Conformity/Rebellion

Use specific details from the text, including the use of irony, metaphor, and symbolism, to support your point. Approach this as preparation for your essay in this Unit.