This paper must be a minimum of two typed pages, double spaced, in length. The paper must show a good understanding of the elements of the short story as well as the ability to integrate examples from the text. Choose one of the following topics:
Ø Compare and contrast how dialogue forms characterization in the short stories “Greasy Lake” and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been.” Give examples of how the dialogue creates certain aspects of the characters and how dialogue provides background to move the story along. Give specific examples from both texts.
Ø Compare and contrast the way that Native Americans are perceived in Lopez’s “The Location of the River and in Alexie’s “Indian Education.” Which do you think is more realistic and why? Give specific examples from both texts.
Ø Discuss the use of symbolism in “The Things They Carried” by O’Brien and “The Red Convertible” by Erdrich. They are both about the Vietnam War. What characters and objects do you think are symbolic and why? Give specific examples from both texts.