Respond to one of the following prompts in a 4 page fiction ✓ Solved

Respond to one of the following prompts in a 4 page fiction response essay. Your essay should be in MLA format, make use of support from the story or stories chosen (using quotation, summary and/or paraphrase) and should include citations in-text and on a Works Cited page. Remember to avoid summarizing a story – instead, focus on answering the question(s) and explaining why the quotes and passages you’ve chosen are significant. You do not need to consult research or outside sources for this paper. Your essay must be written over one of the stories that we have read as a class this semester.

1. Consider the stories we have read as a class that feature young narrators or protagonists. Compare how two young adults respond to the challenges and opportunities presented to them in the story. In what ways are their lessons intended for the audience as well?

2. Choose a story we have read as a class with a first person narrator. How does the narrator’s bias, personality, and reliability affect the story? Are readers given false or biased impressions of other characters? How does this impact the meaning of the overall story?

3. Compare two stories we have read as a class that focus on the same idea or central topic. How do they use literary devices to create their themes? In what ways do they differ significantly? How do they each arrive at the same point in the end?

4. Write an essay examining the variances between two authors we have read in this class who have distinctly different styles (for instance, Faulkner and Hemingway). How do each use literary devices? To what effect? How do each craft a clear narrative in such different ways? What are the primary stylistic differences? How do those differences impact the tone and theme?

5. Write an essay examining how a story of your choosing from the ones we have read in this class makes a statement about a social issue (class, race, gender, ageism, cultural identity). What claim does the story seem to be making? How does it use literary devices to illustrate its point? What characters seem to be speaking on behalf of the theme?

6. Select two stories we have read this semester and show how, although their plots differ, they explore a similar theme. How do they arrive at the same point? How do they employ literary devices? Use specific lines and passages from both stories to support your claims.

7. Compare and contrast the themes regarding familial relationships in two stories you were assigned this semester. What statement does each story make about family bonds? How does each story use literary devices to illustrate its theme?

Paper For Above Instructions

In exploring the intricate tapestry of familial relationships, two profound narratives, "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, present compelling insights into family dynamics. Both stories, though set in divergent contexts, poignantly address the complexity of family bonds and the lessons they impart to children during their formative years. This essay endeavors to compare and contrast the themes regarding familial relationships in these texts, illustrating how each narrative utilizes various literary devices to enhance their thematic messages.

Understanding Family Within "The Glass Castle"

In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls recounts her tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional family led by her eccentric parents, Rex and Rose Mary. The narrative unfolds through the lens of Jeannette’s childhood experiences, where her family's love is juxtaposed with neglect and instability. One of the central themes of the memoir is the paradoxical nature of love and pain within familial relationships. For instance, Rex's charisma and intelligence stand in stark contrast to his alcoholism and irresponsibility. Jeannette’s recollection of her father as a 'tornado', who brought both excitement and destruction, encapsulates this complex relationship: “Dad could talk you into a state of ecstasy, then take you to hell in a heartbeat” (Walls 30). This duality compels readers to reflect on how such contrasting experiences shape one’s identity and values.

The Dichotomy of Family in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Conversely, "To Kill a Mockingbird" presents the Finch family, characterized by moral integrity and unwavering support. Atticus Finch, as a father figure, embodies the principles of justice and empathy, instilling these values in his children, Scout and Jem. The theme of familial relationships in this narrative emphasizes the importance of moral guidance and ethical responsibility. Atticus's advice to Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view,” reinforces the notion of empathy as a foundational element in familial love (Lee 39). This guidance shapes Scout's understanding of social complexities, reflecting the idea that strong family bonds aid in discernment and growth.

Literary Devices: Building Themes

Both authors employ various literary devices to underscore the themes surrounding familial bonds. In "The Glass Castle," Walls utilizes vivid imagery and symbolism to depict the physical and emotional hallmarks of her upbringing. The titular 'Glass Castle' serves as a metaphor for both the fragility of her dreams and the aspirational nature of her father's promises. Walls illustrates this when she states, “The most beautiful thing I had ever seen was what I thought he would build for us” (Walls 45). This imagery resonates with readers, conveying the allure of hope mixed with the harsh reality of disappointment.

On the other hand, Lee employs narrative perspective and dialogue to enrich the familial themes present in "To Kill a Mockingbird." The first-person narrative from Scout’s viewpoint allows readers to experience the innocence and gradual awakening to social realities through her interactions with her father and community. This perspective creates a nuanced portrayal of familial love as a protective and guiding force in a world fraught with prejudice and injustice. The use of Scout's naive questioning often leads to profound revelations, reinforcing the narrative's moral fibers.

Contrasting Familial Lessons

While both texts explore familial love, their portrayals lead to divergent lessons regarding resilience and moral development. In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette’s experiences navigate the uncomfortable reality of love's complexities. Her eventual reconciliation with her parents highlights the theme of acceptance despite pain: “I had to forgive my parents for not being the people I wanted them to be” (Walls 215). This realization emphasizes the significance of personal agency and the necessity of forging one’s path amidst familial turmoil.

In stark contrast, the lessons imparted within "To Kill a Mockingbird" are more focused on societal ethics and the foundational role of family in cultivating moral responsibility. The climax of the narrative—Atticus defending Tom Robinson—serves not only as a critique of racial injustice but also as a testament to the values instilled within him as a father. Scout’s understanding of her father's choices deepens her comprehension of familial duty, resilience in the face of adversity, and the moral implications of one's actions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Family

Through nuanced depictions of familial relationships, both "The Glass Castle" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" explore the complexities of family dynamics and the lessons derived from them. Walls and Lee present two distinct, yet illuminating, portrayals of love—one laced with turbulence and acceptance, and the other rooted in unwavering moral guidance. Ultimately, these narratives remind readers of the profound impact families have on personal development and ethical perception, suggesting that familial bonds, regardless of their nature, play an essential role in shaping individuals’ identities and worldviews.

References

• Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
• Walls, Jeannette. The Glass Castle. Scribner, 2005.