Classwork and Homework, Thursday 6/8/06

Classwork:

1. Answer the following prompt concerning "Araby" in a short essay (3 paragraphs) DUE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD:

• At the end of the story, the narrator sees himself "driven and derided by vanity." One meaning of vanity is "the state of being empty, idle, valueless." Another meaning is "exaggerated self love." Still another is "hunger for praise or admiration." In a 3 paragraph essay, explain how all these definitions could apply to the narrator. Use evidence from the story to support your claims.

Homework:

• Read the James Joyce story, “An Encounter.”
• Answer the following questions:

1. Why does Joe Dillon always prove victorious in the mock Indian battles? Why is this ironic in light of his chosen future?

2. Why do the pulp magazines appeal to the narrator?

3. What does the narrator plan to break up the “weariness of school-life?” What is ironic about Leo not showing up?

4. What does the “ragged troop” calling them “swaddlers” tell you about the religious make up of Dublin? 5. What is the lure of the docks to the boys?

6. What do the narrator’s ideas about sailors with green eyes tell us about his education?

7. How does the man try to ingratiate himself to the boys? How do their answers demonstrate differences in their personalities?

8. The man talks in “circles” around a few subjects. What do his speech patterns and the subjects he dwells on tell you about him?

9. Do you think the narrator’s fear of him is justified? Why or why not?