I don’t know how to handle this English question and need guidance.

1. Bambara’s “The Lesson” and Barthelme’s “The Balloon”

In your discussions, be sure to cover the Postmodern elements “attached” in these stories.

http://www.iupui.edu/~l105onln/docs/The_Lesson.pdf

https://people.unica.it/fiorenzoiuliano/files/2016/08/The-Balloon-Donald-Barthelme.pdf

a-Write a 250-500 word response to the assigned story. Grades on these responses will assess the depth of analysis and engagement with the text.

How closely did you examine the assigned reading? What conclusions did you draw, and why? Did you provide evidence (quotes, paraphrases) from the text to support your assertions? If your reactions to what you read are purely emotional (the reading made you mad, sad, bored, etc.) then you haven’t thought enough about what you read. WHY did you have that reaction? Also under consideration: is your response organized, with full paragraphs, carefully proofread, and submitted on time?

b- In addition to the post, please post THREE paragraph-length peer responses that respond to specific points made in your peers’ posts. You may agree or disagree, but be sure to respond with an aim towards deepening class discussions, not being “right” or correcting anyone.

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2. Creative Response

https://people.unica.it/fiorenzoiuliano/files/2016/08/The-Balloon-Donald-Barthelme.pdf

Write a story inspired by Donald Barthelme’s “The Balloon” where an object (invented or otherwise) takes over a town or city. Your story can be playful, like Barthelme’s story, or ominous. Be sure to use the collective narrative voice to approach the responses to the object. Use any other elements of Postmodernism you like in your story. Limit: 400 words.