Wrapping everything up

Study for the final and finish your essay on House of Mirth (Essay Due February 7th).  FOR THE FINAL... you may use one 4x6 index card to capture notes from the semester/year.  You can use this card when you take your test.

Your last (please keep your cheers and excitement to yourself) assignment : Please read "The Magic Barrel" by Bernard Malamud and answer the following questions through email to me. SHORT answers please. Due by 1/28  I chose this story because it offers something most mid-20th century stories do not.  I will not tell you what that is until you've read the story.  :)  In order to understand this story well you have to understand Jewish /American culture.  Draw on what you know of the Jewish culture.  If you have more questions or are curious after reading this story I encourage you to research: becoming a rabbi and arranged marriages.  Remember to read for symbolic meaning just not literal meaning.  Dead doesn't always mean "dead".  :) (I saw you roll your eyes Ryan!) 

http://www.nbu.bg/webs/amb/american/5/malamud/barrel.htm



1. The first paragraph introduces Leo Finkle--what is his profession and why is he calling on Pyne Salzman? Describe Salzman.

2. Determine the story's point of view. Determine the climax of this story. Why did you choose this as the climax?

3. Why does Finkle reject Sophi P.? Lily H.? Ruth K.?

4. What is the realization Finkle gradually comes to? What other things does he begin to realize?

5. Describe the worst week of Finkle's life. What does he resolve to do?

6. Why doesn't Salzman want to tell Finkle who the picture is of?

7. After hiding himself under the covers, what does Finkle decide to do?

8. Describe the meeting between Finkle and Stella. Do you think Salzman planned it? Why is he around a corner chanting prayers for the dead?

IN class on the 27th (This is a Monday!) We will review for the final and read Robert Frost's poetry.
Final Test: February 4th.  Final Essay Paper due February 7.