TVJ Schools Not Out: CSEC English Literature with Shirlene Woodburn - May 1 2020

Summary

This video script is a classroom lesson analyzing two short stories, 'Man of the House' by Frank O'Connor and 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End' by Pearl Creighton. The lesson covers key aspects such as setting, narrative techniques, characterization, figurative devices, and themes. It emphasizes understanding the stories deeply and preparing for exam questions that compare and contrast different elements. The instructor guides students on how to structure essays, analyze mood, and characters, and how setting influences behavior and emotions. The class wraps up with multiple-choice practice questions and advice on effective studying.

Takeaways

• 📚 The class focuses on analyzing short stories in English literature, emphasizing deep understanding of the texts.
• 🏠 Two short stories are being studied: 'Man of the House' and 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End.'
• 📝 The key aspects for analysis include content, setting, narrative techniques, characters, figurative devices, and themes.
• 🏡 'Man of the House' is set in a small town with a religious community and humble homes, reflecting modesty and rural life.
• 🌾 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End' is set on a plantation with horses and cornfields, also emphasizing religious beliefs in the community.
• 🗣 Both stories use first-person narration, providing a subjective yet powerful storytelling approach, with flashbacks being a key technique.
• 👫 Key characters include the boy and his mother in 'Man of the House' and the girl with her cousins in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End.'
• ✍️ The essay question asks students to describe the setting of each story and compare how the settings contribute to mood and characterization.
• 🗂 Students are reminded to focus on answering the exact question asked in exams, without adding unnecessary details.
• 📖 Literature encourages personal interpretation, allowing students to express their unique understanding of the stories.

Q & A

What are the two short stories being analyzed in the lesson?

The two short stories being analyzed are 'Man of the House' by Frank O'Connor and 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End' by Pearl Creighton.

What is the significance of the setting in 'Man of the House'?

The setting in 'Man of the House' is in a small town with a rural atmosphere, featuring locations such as Mill Pond and Mill Stream. The story highlights the humble living conditions, emphasizing the religious ethos and the simplicity of the community.

How does the setting affect the mood in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End'?

The setting in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End' contributes to the tense mood. The rural plantation house, cornfields, and river, combined with the dark night, create an atmosphere of fear, which reflects the main character's growing anxiety about the world coming to an end.

What narrative technique is used in both stories?

Both stories use a first-person narrator, which is subjective and powerful, as the narrators recount personal experiences. This technique allows the audience to connect deeply with the narrators' emotions and perspectives.

What is the main difference between the narrators in the two stories?

In 'Man of the House,' the narrator is an older person reflecting on their childhood, using flashbacks to convey the story, while in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End,' the narrator is a young girl experiencing fear and uncertainty in the present moment.

How do the characters in 'Man of the House' and 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End' relate to their settings?

In 'Man of the House,' the boy respects and is in awe of nature and his surroundings, while in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End,' the girl is more detached from her environment, showing resistance to the collective religious beliefs of her community.

What are the similarities between the settings of the two stories?

Both stories are set in rural communities where religion plays a significant role. They evoke the natural world and spirituality, though the impact of these elements differs for the characters in each story.

What is one key theme found in both stories?

A key theme in both stories is the influence of religion and community beliefs. In 'Man of the House,' religion shapes the boy’s actions, while in 'The Day the World Almost Came to an End,' religious fear drives the girl's anxiety.

How does the lesson suggest students should approach essay writing in English literature?

The lesson advises students to focus on the specific question asked in the exam and avoid writing unnecessary details. They should organize their essay by addressing the different aspects of the thesis in separate paragraphs and providing clear, detailed explanations.

What type of question might students be asked in an exam about these stories?

Students might be asked to compare and contrast the settings in each story and explain how the settings contribute to the mood and characterization. This requires analyzing both the physical and social settings of the stories.