Stranger Than Fiction Essay Pre-Writing Help Why was Harold allowed to live?

First, we need a solid understanding of two concepts from “Why We Read”. Take out this packet, and write down AT LEAST two specific questions you have about the first bolded concept: reading the word, and reading the world. Now, with your group, discuss how Harold was presented with the unique opportunity to read the word, and read the world. Now, look at the other bolded concept: self-literacy. Discuss with your group how Harold used self-literacy to overcome his hamartia. Be specific. Don’t settle for a simple answer. Assume there is a deeper, more complex answer.

Ignorance Understanding (hamart ia) (anagnor is is)

Now, with your group, place the following terms on the Tragedy vs. Comedy Flow Chart. This chart is helpful not only because it distinguishes the differences between tragedies and comedies but also because it shows the cause-and-effect plot that Aristotle says is the hallmark of a good story. One thing leads to the next leads to the next.

• Tragedy • Comedy • Hamartia • Anagnorisis • Tragic Irony • Catharsis • Cause-and-Effect plot • Purpose of tragedies • Reading the word, reading the world • Self-literacy

Character Flaws

everyday/normal flaw tragic flaw

Conf l ict

light-hearted grave/serious

Opportunity to Overcome Flaws

success failure

Comedy: • Marriage • Continuation

of life

Tragedy: • Death • Ruin

Tragedy vs . Comedy Flow Chart

Now, let’s talk about how to structure your essay. Here’s a helpful hint from an essay-writing pro. When you are writing about a story (I don’t care if it’s fictional or historical), you have two basic options. Choice #1: You can analyze the story chronologically (i.e. not summarizing, but explaining each course concept as the story progresses from beginning to ending). Choice #2: You can analyze the story according to categories of course concepts (i.e. grouping certain course concepts together and then analyzing relevant pieces of evidence). Talk with your group about which structure would be most helpful for you and why.