Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Today, we discussed the short story "The Rocking-Horse Winner." I also presented you with an introduction and questions to answer.
I also discussed citing sources in article critiques and where to find additional information on how to do these (Fit to Print: Chapter 21: Documenting (APA) style. Pages 155 - 175).
Many of you did not read the short story. Witht he exception of two studetns who were not here to get the assignment, this should have been completed. Keep in mind that you are expected to read for a minimum of two hours a week; therefore, there is rarely an excuse when it comes to incompletion of assigned readings.
The questions for the short story are as follows:
Questions for the Short Story: “The Rocking-Horse Winner”
By D.H. Lawrence

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer each of these questions FULLY (this means complete sentences with the question flipped into a statement). You may work on this with a partner BUT you must maintain a volume of about 3 out of 10 (in other words, a volume that doesn’t extend beyond you two and into other groups). If the volume level is too high, you will be given ONE reminder… and then your group will cease to exist.

1. Describe the mother in this story (character sketch, background information,
relationship to children) (3)

2. What is always known but never spoken when it comes to this family? (1)

3. What does Paul's mom associated with the accumulation of money? (1)

4. What is Paul's explicit goal? (1)

5. What is Paul’s ultimate goal? (1)

6. What is Paul really hoping to get by achieving these goals? Why did he feel the need
to achieve this? (2)

7. What problems does Paul face in this story? (3)

8. Who does Paul form a "relationship" with? (2) Why? (1)

9 What evidence is there that Paul's mother is irresponsible with money? (two things).
What does the uncle say that foreshadows this? (3)

10. One of the central themes in this story is "ethical and moral questions". Prove this is
so. (3)

11. What connotations are associated with money? (4)

12. What is the irony that is presented in this story? (2)

13. What two major issues that are present today are present in this story? Explain. (5)

14. Compare and contrast the boy in this story to the boy in “Outside Edges”.