Day 8

Tues. Sept. 22

• Observations on Sheng Keyi

• Introduction to “form”

• Share details from “Uncle Pat”

• The Proverbs of Hell: Introduction to aphorisms

• Reading by Soukaina

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Homework

➤ Think of a character

Think of a character you might like to write about for Essay 3 (Character in Context). Be ready to share with us who the character is and what the place is that they have a significant relationship to.

➤ Read “The Man Who Eats” and/or “Mazie” (excerpts)

If you don’t have time to read both essays, just pick one — the one you find most interesting — and read that one in its entirety. Skim the other one to get a general idea of what it’s about.

As you read, keep your eyes out for these things and try to find at least one of them. Mark them and be ready to share them in class.

Things to look for:

• Physical description of a character’s appearance

• A list of concrete objects

• An anecdote about a character (something they once did)

• A description of a character’s habits (something they always or often do or did)

• An aphorism that reflects the character’s values or worldview

• Something another character says about that character

• A description of the character acting in a scene (physical action)

• Quotation or dialogue that captures a character’s voice

➤ Write your own aphorisms

Choose one of the “Proverbs of Hell” you find interesting and write three more aphorisms, using different language, reflecting the same “kernel of truth” that the original proverb conveys. (In other words, use one proverb to generate three new proverbs.) Upload your aphorisms to our Box folder.

➤ Write a “Postcard from the Past”

Write a paragraph (say, 5-6 sentences long) using the form of “once / now.” Write vividly, using concrete details: try to make your reader feel “there.” Upload your “postcard” to our Box folder.