Writing Journal 1

The Lady or the Tiger?

Even though Frank Stockton’s The Lady or the Tiger? is basically a construction of descriptive passages, his short story can still keep his reader captivated from the beggining to the end. We are at first introduced to a world that, while being contemporary despite its obvious antique roots, shocks us with its sometimes barbaric mores. This cultural collision creates a genuine interest in the future development of the story; the reader wants to find out what will be the outcome and the reason to this extensive description of the kingdom and its king. When the prelude is perfectly unfolded by the author, the rises and falls are quick and spasmodic, keeping the reader alert all through the text.

Just when the story seems to stop a moment to take a breath, the author creates a dramatic turn of events : will the king’s daughter let her lover die or will she save him? As we follow her mind debating the pros and cons of two possibilities before her, the reader can make up his own mind about the dual nature of this crude juridistic affair. It becomes a fable of love and hatred and the limits of undying connection with another human being. The reader is now in the edge of his seat, waiting, wanting to know is the woman will see the resolution of the conflict just as he do. The lady or the tiger?

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1
Compound, two independent clauses;

Example: Gerard wears black; he is depressed.

1a. Compound, two independent clauses, adverb conjunction;

Example: Anna has only three books; however she will buy two more tomorrow.

1b. Compound, two independent clauses, coordinating conjunction and coma.

Example: Tatiana would love to visit Russia, but she does not have enough money.

Complete the sentences: (Sentence Pattern 1)

1. A mad scientist tried to recreate the Big Bang; the city was deserted and burning.
2. The old man slowly got into bed; he hadn't expect this gory turn of event.
3. The cat's tail began to switch back and forth; Griselda knew a storm was coming.

Complete each sentence using an appropriate conjunctive adverb: (Sentence Pattern 1a)

4. The crisis had passed; however we decided that it was still urgent to attack the Peloponnese coast.
5. Robert would never admit he was the one who stole the Dairy Queen display; however he was definitely guilty.
6. Jean was older than Grace ; therefore his knowledge of the German New Wave music movement movement in the Eighties was highly superior.

Complete each sentence using an appropriate subordinating conjunction: (Sentence Pattern 1b)

7. Edgar Allan Poe was primarily an author of horror stories, but the man did wrote numerous alexandrines.
8. The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most macabre movies ever produced, yet it could been seen as a metaphor of contemporary mal de vivre.
9. The "Tell-Tale Heart" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe, so it can help us explore his internal universe.

Pattern 2
Compound sentence with explanation/using : (colon)

Examples

- The Origin of the Species by Darwin states a harsh truth: only the fittest survive.

- Yves Saint Laurent was an influential fashion designer: the dresses he created are still worshiped and copied all around the globe.

Pattern 3
Series A, B, C without conjunction for equal emphasis

Examples

- Sigur Ròs is awesome, peaceful, uplifting.

- London is eclectic, brilliant, extraordinary.

Writing a Thesis Statement

Definition: A thesis statement represents, in one strong sentence, the essence of the author's point of view on a given subject he attends to prove futher in the text with the help of arguments.

Examples: Although the story is considered more as a horror story, it can be viewed as a precusor to modern detective story.

Thesis statement for Tell-Tale Heart: Although the story does not present a specific historical context, we can sense its impact on the denouement of the plot.

Formative Work 1 Due 26th September

Course 1: Persuasive Writing

Interest Level

Difficulty Level

What I Learned

Score

Course 2:

Interest Level

Difficulty Level

What I Learned

Score

GAINS PROFILE FOR SIMONE

I recently had the chance to meet Simone Finken, a lover of small ugly things. Whether she is busy trying to find a job or talking loudly, she always finds time to stay in touch with her family even though she moved from Gatineau to Montreal. Once she is finished with CEGEP and her "Arts et Lettres" program, Simone would absolutely adore to recieve an acceptation letter to St-Martins Art School, London. By achieving this goal of hers, she will undoubtedly expand her flourishing network of contacts that is already constructed with her friends and family all the way from Vancouver to Paris. Between getting some spaghetti sauce ready, reading, or simply waatching a repertoire movie, Ferdinand et Pierrot le Fou most probably, Simone works steadily to avoid becoming an adult. This litttle fact is most likely to explain this young woman's love for observing people and theater. As my final word I will say this: Simone has been known for having a facility with remembering phone numbers. Why not give her yours?

GAINS profile for Simone