agenda | 22 june 2009

Agenda

• Attendance Quiz
• Presentation from group on "The Birthmark"
• Discussion of "Desiree's Baby"

Discussion Questions for "The Birthmark"

• Hawthorne's short story exhibits both internal and external conflict. Focusing on the conflict Man vs. Nature, expand on Aylmer’s quest to rid Georgiana of her imperfection. What are your feelings on man tampering with Mother Nature?
• In the text Georgiana becomes exceedingly more and more tortured by her birthmark: "Danger? There is but one danger—that this horrible stigma shall be left upon my cheek!” cried Georgiana. ‘Remove it, remove it, whatever the cost, or we shall both go mad” (657). What first appeared a “charm” in her eyes has become a curse. Explain Georgiana’s conflict, and why you think her attitude has changed from the beginning of the story.
• In the opening paragraph Hawthorne describes the character of Aylmer as “a man of science.” Reread this paragraph and explain how Aylmer’s unrivaled passion for science sets the tone for the story (think in terms of Aylmer’s internal conflict with his science vs. his wife).
• Georgiana’s birthmark seems to have a metaphorical function. What do you see as the significance of the “crimson hand”?
• Aminadab is a name that represents an early figure in the Book of Genesis. Why do you think Hawthorne gave this character this name? How is Aminadab portrayed in the story? Why do you think he laughs at the end?
• Some scholars have found a connection between Aylmer’s character, and Mary Shelley’s character of Victor in Frankenstein. If you are familiar with Shelley’s novel, what similarities, if any, do you notice?
  
• The characters of Aylmer and Georgiana are not very complex, despite Hawthorne’s drawn out descriptions of them. Do you think Hawthorne meant to use them as vehicles to communicate his message? What do you think his message was and how can this be applied to the contemporary world we live in?
• Do a close reading of the first two paragraphs on page 651: “The mind is in a sad state..”
  Thinking back on what happened to Georgiana at the end of the story, do you find any irony in the removal of her birthmark? If so, what type of irony and why?
• Within the story are many indicative signs. Are there any clues or hints throughout the story that allow you to foreshadow the ending? If so, what are they?
  

Discussion Questions for "Desiree's Baby"

• Just give a general reaction to the story "Desiree's Baby." Were you surprised by the twists in the story? What did you think of it?
• "Desiree's Baby" is one of Chopin's only stories set before the Civil War, though it was first published in the 1890s. What is the impact of the cultural context of this setting?
• Consider the development of Armand's character throughout. At what points, if any, is he sympathetic? As what points, if any, do you dislike him? At the end, how do you feel about Armand?
• What type of irony appears in the final paragraph? What is the effect of that irony?
  
• Think about this story in comparison to the other piece of Chopin's writing we have read in this course, "The Story of an Hour." What similarities do you see in the themes or topics covered? in the stylistic decisions? in the use of literary elements? What differences?

Homework due 6/24

• Read "Chrysanthemums" and "The Girls in their Summer Dresses"
• Blog in response to one of the discussion questions