SF3 - Lesson: Reading Resources and Expectations

An photograph of the writer Anton Chekov.Reading Resources and Expectations

For this module, you will read five short stories. Two are mandatory and three will be chosen from a list.

Image note: To the right is a photograph of Anton Chekov.

Mandatory Reading Selections:

  • Anton Chekov “The Lady with the Pet Dog” (1899)
  • Joyce Carol Oates “The Lady with the Pet Dog” (1972)

Choice Short Stories (Select Three to Read):

  • Anton Chekov “The Bet” (1889)
  • H.P. Lovecraft “Dagon” (1911)
  • William Faulkner “A Rose for Emily” (1930) or “Barn Bruning” (1939)
  • Phillip K. Dick “Upon the Dull Earth” (1954)
  • Flannery O’Connor “A Good Man is Hard to Find” (1953) or “Good Country People” (1955)
  • Joyce Carol Oates “Where are you Going, Where have you Been?” (1966)
  • Raymond Carver “Cathedral” (1983)
  • Tim O’Brien “How to Tell a War Story” or any other chapter from The Things They Carried (1990)
  • A.S. Byatt “The Thing in the Forest” (2011)
  • George Saunders “Puppy” (2017)

Where to Access The Stories

Four of the short stories above are available in the public domain, so we have included a PDF copy for each. For any of the remaining short stories, you will need to obtain a copy by other means: check your school library, the local library, or buy a copy to read.

Here are the four stories with PDF links:

Expectations

As in previous modules, it is advisable to read all five short stories in their entirety before tackling the activities in this unit. However, gaining an overview of what lies ahead can be beneficial. Since you are engaging with the short stories independently online, without direct teacher instruction, conducting some research beforehand is recommended. While we aim to avoid spoilers, conducting basic research on each short story's context, character summaries, and overall themes can enhance your understanding of each narrative. Additionally, listening to an audio recording of these stories can effectively aid comprehension and help you manage your reading time.

Always keep the end goal in mind. We will have two main focuses based on the assigned and chosen short stories.

The first focus is to compare the intricacies of narrative distance, tone, and perspective, acknowledging their transformative impact on the overall storytelling tapestry within the two required stories.

The second focus involves a deeper understanding of how critical lenses can create a richer analysis of the text.

It is recommended to keep these goals in mind before delving into the five short stories. This will enable you to customize your notes and reading focus for each specific purpose.

Reflection

Remember to read actively by engaging in intentional annotation. In addition to annotating standard literary devices such as theme, plot, setting, and character, include commentary on narrative structures and archetypes to deepen your critical reading skills.

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