Response Assignment #4: 

Due: April 26th

Take two of the readings from this week's reading and, in essay form, and in no less than two pages, compare and contrast some of the “battles” being fought. The word "battles" does not necessarily refer to actual battles, as we often think of them; indeed, in many of the stories that you have been assigned to read for this assignment, the notion or idea of battle refers to a major struggle, either internally or externally, with oneself or between two or more characters. In any case, the main theme here is that of conflict, which can be applied in numerous ways. What you want to do for this assignment is to take two of the readings that you have been assigned and compare and contrast the ways in which "battles" are being fought within these two stories. Below are some questions you may think about to help you with this assignment: 

• What kind of "battles" are being fought within each story, and how do they differ? 

• Looking at one story at a time, explore and articulate the "battle"/conflict itself: is the battle an external or internal one? With whom or what does the person or people "fight"? Over or for what? Is the "battle" a seemingly logical or illogical one? and why? Compare the two stories to see how each differ and/or compare. 

• Explore the main character or characters within the story: Looking at each story, is the main character creating the conflict/battle or reacting/responding to it? In what way/s is the character being represented as either the perpetrator or the victim of the battle/conflict? What about the description and/or character development furthers your understanding of his/her role within the conflict? How are the characters within each story different and/or similar? 

• Symbolism/metaphor: In what ways might the authors of your two stories (or one of your stories) be using symbolism or metaphors to discuss a battle or conflict? In other words, is the battle being discussed within the story or stories not entirely obvious? Or written in such a way as to appear to be talking about one thing, when really discussing an even deeper and more significant issue through the use of symbolism and/or metaphor? How do the two stories compare in this way? Is one very straightforward in its discussion of a battle, while the other utilizes a great degree of symbolism and/or metaphor to discuss its battle? 

• Feel free to discuss any other approach, as well. If you have any questions, email me. 

** Again, always, always back up your thoughts with some example, quote, or explanation (textual evidence!).