1. “He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible, which is also detestable.” Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness ― Joseph Co 8 Oct. 2012

2. Bellwork 10/8/12  Formalist Perspective (copy into bellwork journal)—A close reading of the text analyzing its form and structure.  Where did the author use language or literary elements in a unique way?  How did the writer use imagery, simile, metaphor, symbolism, or other literary devices?  How did the writer structure the story—ironic, dramatic, engaging?  How did the writer deal with “time”? Does it move quickly, slowly? Is the plot chronological, fragmented, or are there flashes?

3. Formalism Continued…  How did the writer “build” his/her characters? Are they static or dynamic, flat or round?  How does the writer advance the plot? What conflicts or complications does the writer employ?  From what point of view is the reader given information? Is this point of view biased, reliable, trustworthy?  Always ask WHY!

4. “Song Tra Bong” Guided Formalist Analysis  Find a partner.  Using any 10 of the 12 rules “True War Story” rules we identified in class on Friday, complete the chart on the orange sheet.  On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:  Does “Song Tra Bong” meet O’Brien’s criteria for a “true” war story?  Is this story is a happening-truth or a story-truth war story. Why?

5. End of class  Define formalist perspective  Does “Song Tra Bong” meet O’Brien’s rules?  Is this a True war story?

6. Homework  Finish Senior Project Proposal—Due Tomorrow  Finish Parent Awareness Form—Due tomorrow