Journal+3

As we've read the short stories in the //Junior Great Books// series, I've asked you to pay particular attention to a specific technique manipulated by authors to help a story convey meaning. Thus far we've reviewed, analyzed and discussed the following: 1. Character 2. Setting 3. Plot 4. Point of View/Tone

The idea here is to help you figure out some strategies to go beyond just comprehension and reaction, forcing you to become more critical readers when you consider and discuss how a story works to create meaning. It's tough stuff, I know, but you've handled it beautifully. I think you're ready to fly...and so, here's your next journal:

Read Margaret Laurence's compelling short story "A Bird in the House" (get it? "ready to fly"?) on pg. 88 and write a one page journal that tells us the meaning of the story (think theme here) and one way it creates that meaning(character, setting, etc). You may look at any of the four techniques listed above, and if you're really game for adventure, you could look at more than one (be careful, though, as your journal could easily "fly the coop" and lose its focus).

As always, make sure you provide textual evidence. **It is due Wed, Sept. 22 in class.** For Thursday, I'd like you to not only read Laurence's story, but decide which technique you'd like to focus on. This is critical to our group efforts in class that day.