Questions to consider after a First Reading

To begin gathering data about the story, offer responses to these questions:

Plot

Consider the plot line in "A Father's Story."  In your new document, after typing your name, skipping a line and then typing "Plot" as the heading, type each of the three main stages that occur in a conventional plot (typing each on a new line): "Rising Action," "Climax," and "Falling Action." (Technically, the conventional plot has five stages with "Exposition" beginning the story and "Resolution" ending it, but let's focus on the middle three.)  For each label, describe where in "A Father's Story" each stage takes place as best as you can. Use a sentence each to describe the scene with page number.

Character

A short story, as I've suggested by definition, tells the story of one main character. But more than that, a short story usually shows us the change or transformation in that central character. In a few sentences, respond to this question (and assume Luke Ripley is our main character): what is the transformation that occurs for Luke Ripley? What is his character like before the crisis moment (as you understand it) and what kind of character does he become after the climax in the story?

Setting

To assess what a work's setting might be showing us, consider: does the author spend a good bit of time describing the scenes where the action takes place? Does the setting strike you as unusual or at least constantly present during the story? Make some observations about the setting: what do you most remember about where and when "A Father's Story" takes place? Consider everything: the region in America where this story is set, the landscape, the weather.

Point of View

Since this refers to how a story is told, you may make some deductions about the story based on who gets to tell it.  Since our story is told from the first person (narrator is identified as "I" and is a part of the story), how does that shape "A Father's Story"?  The title of this story is called "A Father's Story" so clearly the narrator matters! So, two questions: 1. What impression do you think the narrator (not the author!) wants to leave with us about what happens to Luke Ripley? And, 2. Is Luke Ripley a reliable narrator? That is, do you believe him? Why or why not? 

Theme or Literary Motif

Remember, good works of fiction contain several layers of meaning. Your assignment isn't about identifying the "one" meaning behind the work. But arguing for certain interpretations or understandings becomes the initial stage of crafting potential thesis statements. Consider one or more of the following:

1. What, if anything, did you notice or find curious or noteworthy about the story now that you've responded to the previous four questions?

2. Does any image or action or feature stand out as significant in your reading? (horses? night? eyes? music? Biblical references? food? wind? solitude?, etc.)

3. What remains that is perhaps confusing for you? What doesn't add up?

When I direct you to, please print a copy of your responses. Be sure your name is on it. This is data you can use to make some decisions about what you might want to analyze going forward. Work to compose a thesis by our next session that has some textual evidence for support and get to a second page, double-spaced. Bring in a printed copy for peer review sessions.