English 102 Discussion

I’m stuck on a English question and need an explanation.

Choose ONE question. Respond in a well written one-paragraph or more response. After responding to a question (from either reading), you will respond or “respond to” one peers’ responses. Your response should be a well written one-paragraph or more response.

“The Lesson”

1. What was the lesson in this story? Was there more than one lesson? Do you think these lessons were aimed at the characters or the reader?
2. Which character did you identify with most in the story?

3. What do you think of Bambara’s writing style? What are its effects?

“I Stand Here Ironing”

1. How is domestic language, or the vocabulary of “women’s work,” used in this story?

2. What does the mother express about breastfeeding practices and nursery school in relation to her daughter’s upbringing and choices?

3. Do you believe that acting harmed or benefited Emily? How did her stage identity become a form of escape from reality?

Textbook

Mays, Kelly J. The Norton Introduction to Literature: Portable 12th Edition. New York: Norton, 2017.