1. Writing Groups Has the writer identified a specific symbol or group of symbols to analyze? Is there a clear discussion of the literal role of the symbol(s) in the text? Is there a larger association for the symbol (meaning) that is supported by a discussion of the text? Does the writer connect the symbol’s meaning to an interpretation of the story? When you finish…read the short story you picked up when you came in.

2. Theme AP Literature & Composition Short Story Boot Camp

3. Northrop Frye “educated imagination” –Where skills and knowledge meet creativity Close reading practice, study of elements of fiction = skills & knowledge; Your theme…your interpretation –Don’t wander from the text

4. “First Day” Plot –Uneducated mother takes her daughter to the first day of kindergarten. –They are refused at one school and must go to another –A kind person helps the mother complete the forms –The mother leaves the child at school, telling her to pay close attention to the teacher

5. Thematic issues in the plot Why would a mother who cannot read do her utmost, facing obstacle after obstacle, to get her child into school? Is it possible that the people who truly understand the importance of education are the ones who haven’t had the benefit of one?

6. Character and Theme Who are the characters? How does the daughter develop and change? First day of what? Look at the roles in the story—major and minor. What’s happening among the characters? Role of community in raising children.

7. Setting and Theme Poor neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Details of the “preferred” school –Is the church important? –“rock” –How does the setting reveal Mom’s anxiety about leaving her daughter? –Back to the role of community?

8. Point of View and Theme Daughter is narrator recalling the incident. –“long before [she] learned to be ashamed of [her] mother.” –Look at this in the context of the story’s focus on education. –Does she seem “ashamed”? –What does this reveal? Changing perspective

9. Symbols Shoes –“my greatest joy” –“when one is nicked at the toe…my heart will break.” –Relationship with Mom? –The change breaks her heart…letting go

10. Articulating Theme Subject and theme are not the same –Theme should be a complete statement or two detailing what the work says/reveals about the subject. Avoid clichés –Lazy; ignores the complexity Pay attention to contradictions –Shame vs. pride A Theme is not a moral –Theme is indirect Literary works almost always have more than one! Themes can be questions –Moral dilemma –Conundrum Why must parenting always involve loss? When do children appreciate and understand their parents?

11. “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid Pg. 719 Try to articulate at least three possible themes. Consider –Plot –Character –Point of View –Setting –Symbols

12. Sources Jago, Carol, et al. Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing, Thinking. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2011.