Response Text Assignments – The following is offered as some possible introductory discussion ideas; not as a response method.
Being clear about the key emphasis of a text response assignment. Often the emphasis falls into one or more of four categories:
- Character-based: Focuses on motivations and development.
- Thematic: Explores broader ideas and concerns in the text.
- Structural: Requires analysis of literary devices and authorial choices.
- Values-based: Examines the author’s message or underlying moral stance.
- Character-based responses.
What is the purpose of having some in the narrative with dynamic character arcs, while others remain static?
An aspect of the Finder’s Keeper narrative is a melodrama between greed and generosity of spirit. For this reason, some characters are static. For example, the greedy Vansi clan is introduced in the nineth century. (‘on hearing of Himinnsled’s promise of prosperity, a lone shunned figure…felt his thoughts caught up in a silent frenzy.’ – page 6). By the early twenty first century not much had changed. (” Nothing is beyond measuring with money,” spat a rasping reply. – Page 160). Being symbolic of greed throughout the narrative, the Vansis’ character and motivations remain static. In a similar way Alex as a sage-like mentor with his lessons in navigation as a metaphor for lessons in life is constant rather than dynamic.
Harold Fairhair’s character on the other hand was dynamic with his change-of-heart while in the ‘Shangri-La’ like setting of the Hidden Valley. (‘The seafarers’ days of raiding were consigned to stories of a cruel past.’ – page 20), only to revert to type (‘…the warrior in Harold had re-emerged’ – page 33), indicating the enticing nature of greed or perhaps the vulnerability of a generosity of spirit. Edda’s development from being a victim of her fears to making a determined stand about something bigger than herself is a distinct development arc in Part 2 of the novel. What might be some pivotal moments that indicate Edda’s development?
Is the story mainly driven by a series of events or the interaction of the story’s characters?
The natural environment is described in different moods and states of well-being elevating it potentially to s character. What might be the purpose of it being portrayed as a (dynamic) character?
More to come
- Thematic-based responses.
- Thematic.
- Structural.
- Values-based.