Choose one of the following five prompts and respond to it on the blog. Remember that we are not turning in reading responses this week. Instead, we are discussing Chopin’s stories here.
1. Point to examples in both “The Storm” and “Story of an Hour” where Chopin uses the setting to reflect the emotions of the characters. Do you like this technique? How is it different than being told what the characters think and feel?
2. Interpret the last line of “The Storm”: “So the storm passed and everyone was happy.” Do you believe this? Has the storm passed? Is everyone better off and happier because of what has happened? I’m not looking for a specific answer. Respond to the story’s last line any way you wish.
3. This question is related to the last one. Can an affair actually be a good thing for a relationship in some cases?
4. The last line of “Story of an Hour” is, “When the doctors came they said she died of heart disease--of joy that kills.” Argue that the doctors were right about what Mrs. Mallard died of.
5. Who is more like Nora in A Doll’s House, Calixta or Mrs. Mallard? Point to specific examples when making your claim.
Thank you. Blog away!
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I haven't read "The Storm" yet.. but I have read "Story of an Hour" and to respond to question 1. I really like how the author uses the setting to reflect the emotions of the characters! Probably because I can really relate to it. I liked how he talked about how there was only parts of the sky peeking through the clouds and he related that to her as if she was beginning to think of an idea.. It gave me a great mental picture and helped me to sort of feel what she was feeling. I really like it because well, I absolutely love the sky, more than anything and it also makes me feel certain emotions.. if that makes any sense. haha I know it sounds stupid but I just can relate to it so that's why I really liked that the author chose to do it this way.
ReplyDeleteResponse to "The Storm":
ReplyDeleteCan an affair actually be a good thing for a relationship in some cases?
I would have to say yes to this question but it all depends on the people involved in the situation. If it were me in the situation I would say no, it is never a good thing, however I do know that some married couples openly have affairs with others and they claim it keeps their relationship healthy. In "The Storm" it seems to be accepted and as if no body really thought anything of it. But what if Calixta were to tell her husband that she had an affair? Would he be mad? It's hard to tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing because Calixta and Alcee sort of keep it a secret making everything seem okay and acceptable...
The storm passed and everyone was happy, but what about the unknown? If it were to be known, by Calixta's husband and also Alcee's wife, then would everyone still be happy?
In "The Story of an Hour" I really enjoy how the author has the characters really explain how they feel and how they explain life and pain. Example Josephine says that she is "Free, free, free!" and the author put in good terms that made me understand what was really happening to her.
ReplyDeleteAs for "The Storm" I would agree with Rachel about the affairs that they had in the story and how I would feel if I were in that situation. It seems that when the storm begins, so does the affair. That's what we can always predict what message the author is trying to send to us.