《英语短篇小说选读》讲义(第四周)

author
THE OPEN WINDOW
Hector Hugh Munro
赫克托· 门罗
(1870-1916) Pen name: Saki Occupation: Author, Playwright Nationality: British
Master of short stories. Often be compared to O Henry.
The actions of the unnamed narrator calculating—murder—dismembering—beating of the heart—officers—confess
Story 3 Discussion
Close-reading From what point of view is this story told? The first-person point of view
Do you think this point of view is effective? Yes, it is both significant and effective. It allows the reader to engage in the thoughts of the narrator and make a conclusion about his or her character.
☆Three years ago ☆Her aunt’s husband and two brothers ☆They went hunting for snipe with a little spaniel(西班牙猎 犬) . They left through that very window, but they never returned because they were engulfed by a piece of bog（沼 泽). Their bodies were never found. ☆Vera’s aunt believes that the men will return one day, that they will enter the house the way they left, through the open window. That is why the window is kept open every evening until dark; • “Do you know, sometimes on still, quiet evenings like this, I almost get a creepy feeling that they will all walk in through that window - "
Story 3 Discussion
About the author
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849) was an American author, poet, editor, and literary critic.
Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, Poe was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story, and is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre. He was the first wellknown American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.
story 3 The Tell-Tale Heart —Edgar Allen Poe —Point of view
Adapted film
Story 3 Discussion
泄密的心 Tell-Tale (2009) 全片播放 导演: 迈克尔· 科斯塔 编剧: 戴夫· 卡拉汉姆 / 埃德加· 爱伦· 坡 主演: 乔什· 卢卡斯 / 琳娜· 海蒂 / 类型: 剧情 / 科幻 / 惊悚 / 恐怖 制片国家/地区: 英国 / 美国 语言: 英语 上映日期: 2009-04-24 片长: 93 分钟
Close-reading
Through what kind of ways did the author build the atmosphere? Find words or sentences in the story that create an atmosphere
Story 3 Discussion
The Open Window
the outline of the story
Time 1) An October afternoon
Place
Characters
2) A rural retreat / A restful country spot 3) A. Mr. Framton Nuttel B. Vera ----niece C. Mrs. Sappleton -----aunt D. Mr. Stapleton E. Mrs. Stapletons ’ two brothers
Instructor: Wang Jiumin
28th September, 2016
Week 4
Photo by Zitona - Creative Commons Attribution License http://www.flickr.com/photos/zitona
Created with Haiku Deck
Point of View
Third-person narrative from the point view of Mr. Nuttel.
Who opens and conducts the conversation? Vera
Plot Analysis:
Climax
Complication
Falling Action
Story 3 Discussion
Close-reading Did the story scared you? Which part of the story scared you most? What could have made it scary?
Story 3 Discussion
Main Works
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Black Cat
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Raven
Annabel Lee
To Helen
Story 3 Discussion
Summary of the plot
unnamed narrator
II. Functions of point of view
1. influence our understanding 2. decide how much the reader should know
III. Cபைடு நூலகம்tegories of point of view By the narrator’s relationship with the character
First person and third person point of view
By the extent of the narrator’s knowledge of the events
Omniscient, limited omniscient, objective (dramatic) and “innocent eye”.
Story 3 Discussion
His writing style Poe's best known fiction works are Gothic, a genre he followed to appease the public taste. His most recurring themes deal with questions of death. Beyond horror, Poe also wrote satires and humor tales. For comic effect, he used irony and ludicrous extravagance.
Created with Haiku Deck
Summary of Unit 2
I. Definition of point of view
It refers to the standpoint from which the author presents the actions of the story, or , to put it in another way, who tells us the story and how it is told.
Today’s Agenda
—Review on Unit 2 (I) —discussion on story 3 and story 4
Photo by 55Laney69 - Creative Commons Attribution License https://www.flickr.com/photos/42875184@N08
PLOT
Exposition
Resolution
Beginning:
• Introduction of the main character:
• Framton Nuttle: a slightly nervous person who is undergoing a nerve cure. His sister introduced him to visit Mrs. Sappelton in anther town to take a rest. . • Mrs. Sappelton’s niece---Vera: a very selfpossessed （镇静、泰然自若）young lady.
Close-reading
Point to the details that identify its speaker as an unreliable narrator?
Assignment for this week —preview on story 4 extensive reading Your presentation about the
• 你知道吗，有时候像今天这样寂静无声的傍晚，我总会有一种感觉，那 就是他们会从那个窗子里走进来,一想到这里就会让人觉得毛骨悚然……”
Complication:
The entrance of Mrs. Sappelton marks the start of the "rising action" segment of the plot.
"I hope you don't mind the open window," said Mrs. Sappleton briskly; "my husband and brothers will be home directly from shooting, and they always come in this way….”
Beginning:
• After some small talks, Vera calls Framton's attention to the large, French window in the room, which is open despite the fact that it is October. And then she began to tell her aunt’s “tragic story”….. What is her story?