Please choose one of the following questions to respond to for this discussion board. Remember to use a direct quote from the text as evidence for your analysis, or you will receive half-credit on the assignment :

1) Using thematic analysis, please evaluate the central theme or minor theme, sometimes called a subteme, from either “Mystic” or “Reflections of Spring.” You do not have to write on both texts. Some sample themes include: memory, experience, knowledge, the title of the poem “Mystic,” guilt. (Not all listed will be found in both texts.)

2) Using plot analysis, please evaluate one element of plot from “Reflections of Spring.” You do not have to perform a complete plot analysis, just choose one or two of the five elements to evaluate. Also, be sure to argue how the textual element creates the plot point–do notjust summarize the story. In other words, why is the event significant?

3) Using symbolic analysis, please evaluate one major or minor symbol from either “Mystic” or “Reflections of Spring.” You do not have to write on both texts. Some sample symbols include: apples, rice pancakes, the symbolic nature of seasons. (Not all listed will be found in both texts.)

Please Note: 1) Theme is not just a topic, but what the text suggests about that topic (revenge is a good move towards theme, but what does the text specifically say, or suggest, about revenge–its unique conception about that theme). 2) Symbols must be defined as either private, incidental, or traditional. 3) Plot analysis does not just describe the details of the text, but argues why those details provide a strong element or representation of plot.

Follow-up responses should do more that state “I agree” or “I disagree.” Extend on or critique the analysis of your classmates.

Finally, remember that literary analysis: 1) makes interpretive claims; 2) that are debatable; 3) that are supported with evidence from the text(s) (this must include direct quotes from the text); 4) that argue for a thesis about the text (this will probably fall into your topic sentence); and 5) that explore the complexity of the text. 

And remember that these are formal academic assignments. “I” and “you” should not be used in initial posts (“I” and “you” are fine for follow-up posts as they are less formal), nor should you announce intent in the topic sentence: for example, do not write, “In this discussion board I will discuss “Ysrael”; or, “The text I chose to review for this assignment is “The South.” Consider your claim, interpretation, or argument in the topic sentence.