ENG125 Northern Virginia Community Symbolism in Lorry Raja Discussion
Question Description
4.1 Post – Symbolism in Short Fiction
The purpose of this assignment is to refresh your understanding of the elements of short fiction, examine more closely the use of symbolism in short stories, and apply that new understanding in an analysis of a short story.
Directions
Click on the following YouTube links and watch the presentations on short fiction terms and elements:
Elements of Literature with Mr. Taylor (Part 1) (Links to an external site.)
Elements of Literature with Mr. Taylor (Part 2) (Links to an external site.)
Watch this presentation on symbolism in literature:
Symbols in Literature (Links to an external site.)
Click on the following link and read “Lorry Raja” by Madhuri Vijay.
Lorry Raja (Links to an external site.)
(NOTE: This site requires registration – registration is free – and the first time you read the story, simply enjoy it:)
Read “Lorry Raja” a second time and pay close attention to the use of symbolism.
Take notes of any important symbols you discern.
What does each symbol seem to represent?
How does it contribute to an overall sense or meanings of the story?
Write a list of at least three of the symbols you identified in the story and what you think each represents.
Use just a few words; complete sentences are not required.
Write a paragraph identifying and analyzing one symbol in the story.
What is the symbol?
What does it seem to represent?
How does it contribute to the meaning or beauty of the story?
Consider whether or not it reveals something about a character or intensifies the power of the setting or underscores conflicts or visually represents ideas or feelings that are difficult to express in words.
Post your list and your paragraph to the discussion board by clicking on the title of this activity or through the Discussion Board main menu on the left.
9.Grading Rubric – Assignment Rubrics
4.2 Discuss – Unnoticeable “Lovely Writing”
The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to consider another astute reader’s response to a story after you have read it and formed your own (at least initial) opinions about it, to think critically about new perspectives on a story, and to respond to your peers to further your understanding about this story in particular and about literature in general.
Directions
Read the following blog entry by Karen Carlson:
“Lorry Raja. (Links to an external site.)”
“That’s what makes this story, as familiar as it is, work for me: it’s lovely writing. Yet I wonder, as I always do: when something stands up and announces itself as lovely writing, is it really lovely writing? Or is it one step removed from lovely writing, which would really be sort of invisible”¦?”
Also note Carlson’s next paragraph, which describes the “heartstrings effect.”
Write two paragraphs analyzing Madhuri Vijay’s use of language in the story “Lorry Raja”:
In the first paragraph, cite specific quotations from the story that you think contribute to lovely, or aesthetic, use of language. Do not cite any quotations of the story from Carlson’s blog – find your own examples. Does Vijay use words similar to the way an artist uses paint? Are you able to picture what Vijay describes?
Provide at least two direct quotations from the story (with citations) as evidence for your claim (without copying Carlson’s quotations from the story).
Consider:
What effects arise from this “lovely” writing and the way it intersects with symbolism?
Do you agree that lovely writing should be unnoticeable?
Why or why not?
In the second paragraph, define what the “heartstrings effect” means to you (doing no more research than re-reading the blog entry, re-reading Vijay’s story, and reflecting on your experiences of reading stories).
Cite specific examples from the story (direct quotations or paraphrases, with citations) that seem to be potentially overly-sentimental or emotionally manipulative. Again, do not rely upon Carlson’s examples. Find your own examples.
Consider:
Is pointing out a heartstrings effect a valid or valuable criticism of a story, according to the way you read and make meaning of literature?
Does this kind of emotionally powerful fiction writing serve an artistic purpose?
Is it manipulative?
Should it be avoided?
If so, when and why?
Post your TWO paragraphs as a “reply” to the discussion board.
Respond to at least three peers,noting an important agreement, disagreement, new understanding, or question for further inquiry.
Pay close attention to Carlson’s paragraph that begins:
5.Grading Rubric – Assignment Rubrics
4.5 Discuss – Psychological Literary Criticism (50 Points)
The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize yourself with Psychological literary criticism (also called Psychoanalytical literary criticism) and apply some of its tools in analyzing a short story.
Directions
Review Psychoanalytical literary theory from