Below
you will find the short stories you may choose from for your Literary
Perspectives paper(s). Included with
each are some suggestions for how the various perspectives might be applied. Remember that these are only suggestions.
The
Lie – the pressure to succeed gets the
best of everyone in this family
Lacanian psychology – Examine your response to
the story and the way it’s written.
Freudian psychology -- Think he had some issues
with parents?
Feminist -- Look critically and
carefully at the mom’s role.
Cultural -- I bet you can identify with
this family!
Historical – This story comes from a
distinct time in our history, with its own values and beliefs.
Deconstruction -- Whenever truth is in
question, you’ve got a shot at this one.
Thank
You Ma’m – one bad deed deserves a good one
Lacanian psychology -- How did you respond to the
characters’ actions? the way they interacted?
Freudian psychology -- Why did the author write
this? Explain it.
Feminist -- What do you think of the
lady’s role in this story/society?
Cultural -- We are definitely outsiders
with this story!
Historical -- Take a look at when this
story was written.
Deconstruction -- Are you sure the theme is
really that positive? Do you sense desperation? Hopelessness?
Marigolds
– how
do we learn to understand and master our human cruelty?
Lacanian psychology – Look at the language
permeating this emotional work: how do you respond to it? It’s intense.
Freudian psychology -- This author clearly has
some things to work out – or maybe she just did!
Feminist -- There’s a lot going here
with female roles and attitudes – more than you might think.
Cultural -- Once again, we are
outsiders in a big way here.
Historical -- another story with a unique
historical context . . .
Deconstruction -- There’s enough evidence
here to make us wonder!
The
Secret Life of Walter Mitty – a delightful tale of
daydreaming by our city’s most famous author
Lacanian psychology -- I know some of you identify
with this story, especially in its language and vividness.
Freudian psychology -- Daydreamer? Full of regrets? Hen-pecked?
Feminist -- That relationship is
clearly wrought with stereotypes.
Cultural – Once again, this can be a
remote culture to us – at least some of us.
Historical – yet another story with a
unique historical context…
Deconstruction -- I see all kinds of
interpretations in this one! This would
be fun.
The
Most Dangerous Game – incredible adventure with a few twists and plenty to
think about
Lacanian psychology -- Most people respond
strongly to this one. Explain your reaction.
Freudian psychology – With this level of fear, we
might suspect something behind the author’s mask.
Feminist -- How bout‘ a girl‘s take on
these big hunter guys? This one screams
for a female point of view.
Cultural – In a way, we are
outsiders here, but in another, we are front and center. Where would you put yourself?
Historical -- Could there be something to
when this was written? It’s certainly loaded with politics – and stereotypes.
Deconstruction -- Try reading this as a
satire.
The
Cask of Amontillado – it’s Poe; enough said
Lacanian psychology – Where might you stand in
relation to our two main characters?
Freudian psychology – Whether it’s Freud or his
main character, you can have all sorts of fun with this one.
Feminist – Guy bent on revenge, a
nasty one too – how might a female relate to this story?
Cultural – An world of honor and
aristocracy – a bit different than our own.
Historical – Much like cultural – a code
of honor and a class system in place.
Deconstruction – Not sure about this one
yet, but we’re working on it.
The Scarlet Ibis – simply put, this story is a incredibly beautiful work of art
Lacanian psychology – This one is guaranteed to
get a strong emotional response out of you.
Freudian psychology – This would make a
fascinating study, both of the author and our main character.
Feminist – An obvious choice –
nurturing and resentment.
Cultural – Not sure about this one;
the culture seems pretty familiar.
Historical – Same as cultural above;
still, it is a little different than our own.
Deconstruction – Plenty in this story can go
either way.