Choose one (1) of the following stories:
Stephen Crane, “The Open Boat”; OR
Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have you Been?”

Each answer in Part 1 should be approximately 150 words (one substantial paragraph). Give evidence/examples in each answer. Specificity and detail (supporting examples), rather than length as
such, is the key to a solid and successful answer.

• Point of View
What is the narrative point of view in this story? (Where does the reader’s information come from?)
And how does this point of view function in the story?

• Plot
Describe the three aspects of plot (below) in this story.
Movement in Time
Movement in Cause/Effect
Movement in Dramatic Tension

• Characterization
List all characters in this story.
Identify their relationship(s) to one another.
Who are the most important? And why?
Describe how the characters and their actions convey the meaning and power of the story that centers in the drama of conflict and transformation.

• Setting
What is the setting of this story? Where and when does it take place?
What is significance of setting to plot and character? How does it function?
Be specific.

PART 2 (10 pts): Apply one (1) or at most two (2) Critical Method(s) to examining the reciprocal inter-relationship between the individual and culture/society in three (3) short stories we have
read this semester: You may include among these three the story you chose for PART 1 of this exam.

Give specific evidence from each story to examine and explain how each one demonstrates the ways individuals influence culture/society and culture/society influences individuals.