Students will reflect analytically on our readings in a 400-600 word response. This second response will consider how Bread Givers depicts the experiences of a family who has settled in a new country.
Possible Topics and Themes
How do characters’ relationships to the old country change over time: explore their nostalgia or second-hand knowledge of the old country.
How does an individual character assimilate (or not) to certain values or social norms in America?
Discuss the tensions between parents and their children’s values.
Describe the challenges a single character faces and how this contributes to their worldview or individual identity.
Describe the aspirations of a single character or compare those of two characters.
Engage with stereotypes or assumptions about migrants or migration.
Instructions
While this assignment invites you to consider how authors’ usage of figurative language contributes to a specific theme, you have a variety of ways to respond. You may choose to (A) write your response on a single passage by performing a close reading, (B) contemplate a text’s approach to a theme by citing multiple passages, or (C) compare and contrast two texts. Below you will find further explanation of these three types of responses.
Close Reading
Pick a specific passage from anywhere in the test, cite it, and interpret it closely. Consider who is speaking, the context in which they speak, and who or what they are talking about. But also consider HOW they speak, their style or voice, and the language, imagery, and other literary devices the author might employ. Finally, you must end your interpretation by linking your conclusions about the passage to what you see as a significant theme of the work. Do NOT summarize any plot.
Conceptual Analysis
Take a more abstract (yet SPECIFIC) look at the texts we are reading. What are the key concepts at work? How does the text communicate them? What are the overall effects of its mode of representation? The key to this type of response is to avoid generalities. Ground each claim in a clear textual reference (quote a word from the third page here, a sentence from the last page there.) Discuss what unique point the text attempts to accomplish, and assess its effectiveness.
Comparative Analysis
Using the type “A” or “B” approach, compare and contrast the aims or effects of any two texts we have read. Draw on specific details from each. Conclude with a few sentences about what the comparison illuminates that your reader might not have noticed thinking about the texts in isolation.
