“Minimalism” Writers

Bobbie Ann Mason, “Shiloh” -- pp. 578-588

Raymond Carver, “Cathedral” -- pp. 77-87

Raymond Carver, “A Small, Good Thing” -- pp. 88-104

1.) Based on your reading of these three stories, what does the term “minimalism” mean to you?  Consider not only your own ideas about the term but also Mason’s “Perspective” on pages 588-589, Carver’s “Perspective” on pages 104-105, and definitions of “Minimalist Fiction” and “Kmart Realism” in the glossary.

2.) What do these three stories have in common -- what similarities do they share?  Consider not only types of settings and characters but also possible symbols and themes (and other things as well).

3.) Write down 1-2 discussion questions for each story -- things that you would like us to talk about, things that might spark debate, things that you are interested in, etc.