First, let s review exposition. Also, let s discuss the difference between objective and

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1 The Do Now Today s goal is to draw evidence from literary texts to support analysis, reflection, and research of our essays. We will also continue our discussion about the ingredients of a short story by deconstructing. First, let s review exposition. Also, let s discuss the difference between objective and subjective information. The reason why we want to talk about objective and subjective information alongside exposition is because exposition is purely objective information. If we are able to tell the difference between objective and subjective, then we will be able to locate and identify exposition more fluently. The reason why we want to identify exposition more fluently is so that we may use this literary technique in our own writing, whether in essay or creative form. Exposition is the part of the story, usually near the beginning, in which the characters are introduced, the background is explained, and the setting is described. When the writer is writing exposition, he is writing with an objective tone, or an objective point of view. Objective information is writing that one can verify through the use of facts and research. Objective information is unbiased information. Exposition is objective information. On the other hand, there is subjective information. Based on what we now know about objective information, what does subjective mean? Furthermore, what does biased mean? Thirdly, do you think you can identify exposition in The Bet?

2 Essay Example Mr. Rooney English 10 September 18/ 21, 2015 Often within a story, there will be an important relationship. Sometimes, it is a relationship that deals in love and heartbreak. Sometimes, it is a relationship that deals with money and power. The relationship in a story is often a useful source for conflict and struggle. It is an aspect of a story that propels the plot and its purpose, sometimes dictating the story s mood. For some readers, the development of a relationship over the course of a story is the reason for reading. In the short stories By the Waters of Babylon by Steven Vincent Benet and What Happen During the Ice Storm by Jim Heyden, the relationship is key. They are both relationships between a father figure and son. In each story, the son does the unexpected, and breaks from tradition. By the end of each story, the son is a symbol of youth and starting anew. This is made clear in By the Waters of Babylon. The main character, John, has returned home from a postapocalyptic New York City. He has returned with news that will irrevocably change his father s beliefs and his community s way of living. Ultimately, the story ends with a positive outlook on the future, as the father listens to the son with trust and respect. Nevertheless, John goes, we make a beginning. It is not for the metal alone we go to the Dead Places now - there are the books and the writings. In comparison, the story of a progressive son with a traditional father is not as clear within the Ice Storm. However, if one reads with an optimistic point of view, they may see the boys breaking from a farmer tradition of harvesting harmless, helpless pheasants in wintertime. He covered two of the crouching pheasants with his coat, rounding the back of it over them like a shell. The other boys did the same. As stated, the relationship in a story is often the key element to the plot and its purpose. Within the examples of By the Waters and Ice Storm, the relationship between a father figure and son becomes complicated and changes due to the son s rebellious nature to strive to do good in this world, no matter what the setting or time.

3 Round-Table Discussion The Banker Tomorrow at twelve o clock he will regain his freedom. By our arrangement I ought to pay him two million. If I do pay him, it is all over with me: I shall be utterly ruined. (pg. 214) Cursed bet! Why didn t the man die? He is only forty now. He will take my last penny from me, he will marry, will enjoy life, will gamble on the Exchange, while I shall look at him with envy like a beggar and hear from him every day the same sentence: I am indebted to you for the happiness of my life; let me help you! No, it is too much! The one means of being saved from bankruptcy and disgrace is the death of that man! (pg. 214) Poor creature! he is asleep and most likely dreaming of the millions. And I have only to take this half-dead man, throw him on the bed, stifle him a little with the pillow, and the most conscientious expert would find no sign of a violent death. But let us first read what he has written here (pg. 215) Please go back to Part I of The Bet. Please look at other quotes from the banker. Describe his personality. How does he feel about the bet? How do you feel, as a reader, about the banker? The Lawyer/ The Prisoner With a clear conscience I tell you, as before God, who beholds me, that I despise freedom and life and health and all that in your books is called he good things of the world. (pg. 215) And I despise your books, I despise wisdom and the blessings of this world. It is all worthless, fleeting, illusory, and deceptive, like a mirage. (pg. 215) so I marvel at you who exchange heaven for earth. I don t want to understand you. (pg. 216) Discuss how the following quote defines the banker and lawyer s relationship in the end: At no other time, even when he had lost heavily on the Stock Exchange, had he felt so great a contempt for himself. (pg. 216)

4 Excerpt from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (TREPLIEFF comes in without a hat on, carrying a gun and a dead seagull.) TREPLIEFF. Are you alone here? NINA. Yes. (TREPLIEFF lays the sea-gull at her feet.) NINA. What do you mean by this? TREPLIEFF. I was base enough to-day to kill this gull. I lay it at your feet. NINA. What is happening to you? [She picks up the gull and stands looking at it.] TREPLIEFF. [After a pause] So shall I soon end my own life. NINA. You have changed so that I fail to recognise you. TREPLIEFF. Yes, I have changed since the time when I ceased to recognise you. You have failed me; your look is cold; you do not like to have me near you. NINA. You have grown so irritable lately, and you talk so darkly and symbolically that you must forgive me if I fail to follow you. I am too simple to understand you. TREPLIEFF. All this began when my play failed so dismally. A woman never can forgive failure. I have burnt the manuscript to the last page. Oh, if you could only fathom my unhappiness! Your estrangement is to me terrible, incredible; it is as if I had suddenly waked to find this lake dried up and sunk into the earth. You say you are too simple to understand me; but, oh, what is there to understand? You disliked my play, you have no faith in my powers, you already think of me as commonplace and worthless, as many are. [Stamping his foot] How well I can understand your feelings! And that understanding is to me like a dagger in the brain. May it be accursed, together with my stupidity, which sucks my life-blood like a snake! [He sees TRIGORIN, who approaches reading a book] There comes real genius, striding along like another Hamlet, and with a book, too. [Mockingly] "Words, words, words." You feel the warmth of that sun already, you smile, your eyes melt and glow liquid in its rays. I shall not disturb you. [He goes out.]

5 Closure Please identify the best word in the following paragraph that makes clear that the writing is exposition: It was dark and cold in the garden. Rain was falling. A damp, cutting wind was racing about the garden, howling and giving the trees no rest. The banker strained his eyes but could see neither the earth nor the white statues, nor the lodge, nor the trees. Going to the spot where the lodge stood, he twice called the watchman. No answer followed. Evidently the watchman had sought shelter from the weather and was now asleep somewhere either in the kitchen or in the greenhouse. (pg. 214)

6 Homework 1. Please review The Bet. (pg ) 2. Please review the Word(s) of the Day (Documents) 3. Please begin or continue work on your Summer Reading Assignment. (Documents) a. If you have it completed already, please hand it in. Thank you. That s a wrap. See you at SAP.

The Bet By Anton Chekhov 1889

Name: Class: The Bet By Anton Chekhov 1889 Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian playwright and short story writer who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short fiction in history.