"If a single character in contemporary American stage literature approaches the classical Aristotelian tragic figure, it must surely be Blanche DuBois. Deceptive, dishonest, fraudulent, permanently flawed, unable to face reality, Blanche is for all that thoroughly capable of commanding audience compassion. . . . No matter what evils she may have done, nor what villainies practiced, she is a human being trapped by the fates, making a human fight to escape and to survive with some shred of human dignity ..."

Start to read Streetcar--see calendar link for reading deadlines and be ready for Monday's reading interpretation quiz. On Tuesday, we will discuss the symbolic motif of Elysian Fields--a literary allusion in Streetcar which refers to the following:

In Greek mythology, Elysium (Greek: Ἠλύσια πεδία) was a section of the Underworld (the spelling Elysium is a Latinization of the Greek word Elysion). The Elysian Fields, or the Elysian Plains, were the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous.

Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy: List of Key Terms--see in-class handout for all definitions:

Tragedy: “Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; ...with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its katharsis (catharsis) of such emotions. . . . Every Tragedy, therefore, must have six parts, which parts determine its quality—namely, Plot, Characters, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, Melody."

Incentive Moment: The beginning ...this moment must start the cause-and-effect chain but not be dependent on anything outside the compass of the play (i.e., its causes are downplayed but its effects are stressed).

Climax: The middle...must be caused by earlier incidents and itself cause the incidents that follow it (i.e., its causes and effects are stressed).

Catastrophe: "Change of fortune" (implies a change of fortune for the worse).

Denouement: The complication or conflict--(it is important to perceive both the external and internal conflict of the tragic hero) and unraveling leading to the final resolution.

Resolution: The end...the end should therefore solve or resolve the problem created during the incentive moment. Oftentimes, this resolution involves the death of the tragic hero.

Peripeteia: "Reversal of Intention " (think of "intention" as desire or "intended behavior").

Anagnorisis: "a change from ignorance to knowledge, producting love or hate between the persons destined for good or bad fortune."

Hamartia: often translated “tragic flaw,” has been the subject of much

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Due this week 10/10-10/13:
See calendar link for all reading deadlines and next week's unit test on The Things They Carried.

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Due this week 10/3-10/7:

Don't forget FINAL DRAFT--College Essay due October 5th.
Read Tim O'Brien's "The Vietnam in Me" and answer the following questions in a one-page handwritten response:  Tim O'Brien was completely transformed by his experience in Vietnam--using evidence from the article--discuss O'Brien's transformation of psychological isolation.

FINISH Reading The Things They Carried for Friday, Oct. 7th.  We will be preparing for our individual chapter presentation project and group discussion activity this week as well--not to worry--specific details will be reviewed on Wednesday of this week.  The objective is as follows:  You will be in charge of presenting the major themes of at least one chapter as well as facilitating an engaging discussion of the text. See below for chapter presentation guidelines.  Please know that I will be selecting you for a specific chapter, so be prepared with your text annotations. 


The Things They Carried  by Tim O’Brian

1.      Chapter presentations include a short summary of the chapter and 2 key scenes that highlight the analytical elements or speak to the psychological nature of the characters. DO NOT forget to look for the major symbols and motifs as well.  Tim O'Brien blurs the line between fiction and reality--so be ready with the supplemental reading packet from Tuesday's class. You may utilize those analytical questions from the study guide sheet to frame your thematic analysis of that particular scene.