On the Rainy River

On the Rainy River Name:______

Formalist analysis- In the chart below are the various elements of a text that a Formalist would examine when analyzing a literary selection. Consider the short story “On the Rainy River” and complete column the “Evidence from the Text” side of the chart.

Textual Elements Evidence from the Text Conflict—the opposition of two forces or characters. What are the different types of conflict in this story?

Protagonist—the most important character in a story (usually the hero). Who is it and what is he like? How is this character developed

Antagonist—the major character in opposition to the protagonist or here. Who is it and what is this person like?

Point of View—the perspective from which a story as told. How does the point of view affect how we interpret the story?

Setting—where and when a story takes place

Continued on back. Climax—the highest point of intensity in the story. What is it and when does it occur?

Symbols—an object that signifies something else. What are they, and what do they signify?

Theme—a central thesis or idea expressed directly or indirectly. State this as a complete sentence

Choose three of the elements from this chart that you think were the most significant in terms of providing meaning.

Write a response by starting with a thematic statement: eg/ In the short story, “On the Rainy River” Tim O’Brien explores the issue of______(or Tim O’Brien is depicts the conflict between______and ______).”

Then support this thematic statement with three specific examples from your chart. 2 pages double spaced is fine for a response.