Stories: “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambera ; “Everyday Use”; by Alice Walker- Find two stories which share a connection in terms of theme, style, point of view or any other appropriate similarity -Determine setting; where and when does the action take place? –Point of view: who is telling the story?(a character or narrator?):Characters: who is involved with the plot trajectory (unfolding of thematic events) -Locate a thematic trajectory employed through characters (action and dialogue); what actually happens as the plot unfolds (summary of action and/or conflict) How do characters change. What makes them change? -Determine the issues/messages/questions presented about society, morality and human nature -Comment about the use of description, detail and figurative language How do writers use symbols (or not) or foreshadowing.-Provide some understanding of the social/cultural context Include your own response to the material; did you enjoy the pieces and why? -May use other literary and critically oriented- research materials, but make sure you quote, summarize and cite effectively