The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. Everyone is welcome. Short Stories - Some SeniorLearn Favorites - JUNE 1 til mid JULY
It is said that a good short story should include: * a strong theme, * a fascinating plot, * a fitting structure, * unforgettable characters, * a well-chosen setting, * an appealing style. Let's consider these elements as we discuss the following stories. Is it necessary to include them all in a successful story? Notice that the titles are all links to the stories.
Discussion Schedule: June 1 -June 9
*The Book of The Funny Smells--and Everything (1872) by Eleanor H Abbott
*The Necklace or The Diamond Necklace (1880) - by Guy de Maupassant
* Butterball(Boule de Suif) 1884 - by Guy de Maupassant (if time allows)
*A Pair of Silk Stockings (1896)b] by Kate Chopin ************************
 | 1. Given the etiquette of the day for a respectable women traveling, and how properly cared for children were expected to act toward adults, what must the Beautiful Lady have thought?
2. What imagery does the author use to let us know the children are not wealthy? Do you think they are from a poor or a middle class family?
3. After the first few encounters, do you think the social class of the children helps to move the story along – explain? In what way does it benefit the story that Carol is mute?
4. What beautiful smell would you like to be? |
5. Have you ever been in a smithy? What impression do you have of Jason and what does the author make you feel about him? What did you think of the children saying Jason was "beautiful?" Do you know the song “Sweet and Lo”?
6. What beautiful sound in the whole wide world would you like to be?
7. Do you know what the 39 articles are?
8. If you were a Beautiful Sight--that people came miles to see,--what Beautiful Sight in the whole wide world would you choose to be?"
9. Can you see in the mother ways that she is the strength of a storm at sea?
10. If you received a birthday gift of five dollars--how would you spend it?--What would you buy that would be the most fun?--_Things?_ Or _Times?_--Would you "spend it for Rabbits"? "Or going to a Fair?" ($5 in 1921 is worth $63.45 today)
11. What would you like your friend to buy that is or makes a color that will prompt your friend to remember you?
12. Is there more than one theme in this story? What are the two approaches to life that is the conflict in the story?
13. Did the author humanize the Doctor enough so that the reader accepts his exchange of Carol’s book for the two gold coins? What was the value of a gold coin in 1921?
14. The author tells us “When you read a book, of course, you expect to be surprised”. Were you surprised?
