1. Illusions of Reality

2. First Things First… The essential question… –How does an individual’s illusion of reality influence the choices one makes?

3. First Things First… Topics and Literary Selections –Naturalism “To Build A Fire” –Realism “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” –Feminist Theory “The Yellow Wallpaper” –Southern Gothic Literature “A Good Man is Hard to Find” & “A Rose for Emily”

4. I don't think the human mind can comprehend the past and the future. They are both just illusions that can manipulate you into thinking there’s some kind of change. ~Bob Dylan Pick a Quote and respond using 6-7 sentences It is natural to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes to that siren until she allures us to our death. ~Gertrude Stein Dreams are illusions, and we can't let go of them because we would be dead. ~David Copperfield

5. Something to Ponder… Can we ever really understand the complexities of the human mind? What’s real? What’s imaginary? If a person were threatened with imminent death, what kind of thoughts might pass through his/her mind? Would the mind provide a calming refuge or intensify the fear and horror?

6. Some Definitions Illusion: A false idea or belief OR a deceptive appearance or impression Reality: The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them OR a thing that is actually experienced or seen, esp. when this is grim or problematic

7. Background Information: Realism Focused on the real over the fantastic – it is all about real life! Characters are from everyday life and dictate the plot. Shows us rather than tells us Events make the story plausible Complexity refers to the interwoven, entangled density of experience; Multiplicity indicates the simultaneous existence of different levels of reality or of many truths, equally "true" from some point of view.

8. Background Information: Feminist Theory The basis of the feminist movements, both in literature and politics, is that Western culture is fundamentally patriarchal (i.e., created by men, controlled by men, viewed through the eyes of men, and evaluated by men). The 1960s saw the rise of a new, feminist approach to literary criticism. Before the emergence of Feminist Theory, the works of female writers (or works about females) were examined by the same standards as those by male writers (and about men). With the development of Feminist Theory, old texts are reexamined, and the portrayal of women in literature is reevaluated. New writers create works that more accurately reflect the developing concept of the “modern woman.” And yes, you need all of this information!

9. Background Information: Southern Gothic Literature Focused on the sublime and the grotesque (definitions on the next slide, so leave space) Characters are little “off-center” or not exactly typical… a tad bit crazy Characters have a past & have been beaten down by life (physically or emotionally).When southern gothic authors examine the human condition, they see the potential an individual has to do harm. Morality is in question for many characters. SG authors use wit to pull the reader in and make these off- beat characters who don’t always make good choices seem lovable. Readers are hooked because they like the characters despite their flaws. Readers empathize with characters.

10. Sublime- Characterized by nobility; majestic. –Of high spiritual, moral, or intellectual worth. –Not to be excelled; supreme. –Inspiring awe; impressive. Grotesque- Characterized by ludicrous or incongruous distortion, as of appearance or manner. Outlandish or bizarre, as in character or appearance. Of, relating to, or being the grotesque style in art or a work executed in this style.