Writing Assignment

on

Stephen Crane's "The Open Boat"

Write an essay in which you show how the various sub-themes that this story engages in the course of its telling might be logically integrated.  That is:  what is some conception you can discover and explain according to which certain of these themes can be seen as contributing to others?  You will need to commit yourself to the contention that some one theme (which it is your business to express) is the paramount theme to which, by the scheme of subordination you lay out, all others contribute.

For each sub-theme you discover at work in the story, you will of course need to show how the story implicitly or explicitly indicates its presence.  But it will not do to present a list of these, each demonstrated.  The ultimate task here is to show which of these are to be understood as incorporated within, or in service to, which others, and exactly how.

  Suggestions are welcome.  Please send your comments to lyman@ksu.edu .

      Contents copyright © 2000 by Lyman A. Baker. 

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  This page last updated 09 November 2000.