Hi class,

Thanks for the illuminating class discussion.  Wish we could have talked more about the treatment of Rip’s wife – look out for depictions of female characters in future stories!

Before doing the HW, here’s an interesting exercise: listen to at least 30 seconds of these two different rap songs.  Beastie Boys, “Intergalactic” and MF Doom, “Vomitspit.”  How would you characterize the difference between each artist’s “flow”?  (E.g., how would you describe the rhythm of each rapper – do they overwhelm you with words, or favor short, snappy lines?)  Then, as you’re reading, ask yourself: does Hawthorne have a “flow” to his writing style?

HW

-Read “Young Goodman Brown” using reading questions (below) and taking notes (1.5-2 hrs).  Warning: this story is probably the most difficult of the stories we’ve read so far.  The good news is that you’ve already had it broken down, sort of, via the Charters reading.  It will take time, and effort, and a dictionary, and a pen for note-taking in the margins.  Use all four!

-Blog (if you’re in Group 3 – see prompts below) or comment (if you’re not) and use the remaining time to review your notes. (1-1.5 hrs).

Remember: blogging/comments aren’t summary, or just a record of your personal emotional reaction; also, both have to involve quotation.  Practicing quotes now means you have a better shot at the paper (take the A train).

-A lot of you haven’t done comments yet.  A reminder that, if you want your comments to count for any given week, you have to do them, by 10 am the morning of Wednesday’s class. Furthermore, doing comments, and staying engaged, is part of being on the A train.  Of course, if you do more than required, it will help you!

Reading questions:

1. Charters defines “style” as “the characteristic way an author uses language.”  In musical terms, you might think of it as the difference between two rapper’s “flows.”  Look for phrases or sentences that you think showcase Hawthorne’s signature style.  How does his style affect your experience of the plot and narration?  Blog prompt: clue.  Pick one passage that helps you understand the author’s style better.  Describe his sentence structures (simple or complex?), descriptive patterns (lots of adjectives? Few adjectives), tone (emotional? unemotional?) DO NOT simply repeat what Ann Charters says about this story in “The Elements of Fiction.”  Your post must be your own content.

2. What connections do you see between “Young Goodman Brown” and “Rip Van Winkle”?  Think of common character types, setting choices, plot twists. Are there trends you can identify as characteristically “American” literature? In what ways might either of these stories be “about” America, either its history or its symbolic importance?  Blog Prompt: Create. Imagine that you are Young Goodman Brown.  Write a first person narrative in which you encounter Rip Van Winkle.  What would the two of you have to talk about?  As you create this narrative, refer to at least one quote from “Young Goodman Brown.

3. Pay attention to different places where Hawthorne mentions evil.  How does Hawthorne use references to “evil” to create suspense?  Do you think Hawthorne wants the reader to agree with the definition of “evil” given at the story’s climax?  (Hint: identify the climax first!)  Blog Prompt: Connect.  Think of another story that prompts you to think about the nature of evil.  It could be a novel, film, or even real-life event.  Compare that story to “Young Goodman Brown.”  Does the stories lead you to similar, or different, conclusions about the nature of evil?  Refer to at least one quote in the story as you connect it to other stories

best,

Professor Kwong