AP Literature and Composition s2

AP Literature and Composition Short Story Unit

“Greasy Lake” by T.C. Boyle Your Name:______

Part I. Close Reading Focus Areas: Point of View, Setting, Characterization, Simile, Tone, Syntax

Rhetorical Strategy Quote & Page # Effect

Part II. Analytical Questions—Answer in full and complete sentences.

1. In what way does the setting of the story help to also develop character and theme in this story? Give specific examples from the story to support your answer. 2. Discuss the syntax in paragraphs three and four. In what ways does the syntax develop the pacing of the story as well as the character of the narrator? Use specific examples in your answer.

3. Find three examples of Boyle’s use of detail and description to reveal minor characters in the story. What do these details and descriptions reveal literally and figuratively about the characters?

4. Find three examples of simile in the story. Explain why Bolye uses these similes —what do they reveal about theme, character, or tone?

5. Discuss the contrast in the tone in paragraphs one and two with the final paragraphs on page 119. What diction and imagery choices contribute to this tone? What is Boyle trying to show us with tone shift in terms of theme? Be sure to use specific tone words from our list when describing imagery, tone, and diction.

III. Thesis Development and Template

What is Boyle trying to show us about the ways in which irresponsible choices can lead to irreversible consequences?

In ______’s (author’s name) ______(descriptive adjective that summarizes story) “ ______,” the writer uses ______, ______, and

______to reveal/show/illustrate/that ______leads to /creates

______which makes the reader understand Boyle’s idea/theme/meaning that ______.

Part IV. “Greasy Lake” Vocabulary List

1. ravage 2. susurrus 3. grail 4. apocryphal 5. extricate 6. kamikazee 7. disconsolate 8. garret 9. deliquesce 10. virtuosity 11. lurid 12. primordial 13. coccyx 14. catatonics