Finish the activity we began on Thursday:

I have provided 3 gothic short stories (10 copies of each story). The stories are: “Lungewater” (a more classic gothic story), “Martin Roehmar’s Boys” (a Halloween story with a twist), and “Watch and Wake” (an alternate worldview gothic story). Be sure all copies make it back to the piles!

Pick two of the short stories and read them aloud in your group

After you have read the two short stories, complete a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles) that compares and contrasts the stories on a single sheet of paper for each group.

On the BACK, list examples of how one of the stories you read demonstrates at least three of the five characteristics of American gothic.
REMINDER:
American gothic characteristics: 1) image of the swamp (or deserted, barren spaces), 2) fascination with the occult or supernatural, 3) need for physical or moral guidance (America as a ship of state), 4) the abuse of reason and/or science, 5) the “senti-mentalization” of death (obsessive).
Be sure ALL group members’ names are on the paper before you turn it in.

QUIZ over Gothic unit on Thursday!!
Short story assignments were handed out (due May 28th)
Your final draft gothic story will have the following:
· Include at least three elements of Gothic (from the definitions in your notes) in the story
· have 2-4 characters
· one major conflict
· and an "ironic twist" or surprise ending.

Don’t have an idea? Use your writing from the descriptive writing assignments (especially #3, 4 or 5) as a starting point.

The paper will be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 3-5 pages, and generally free from spelling errors.