Format of American Literature Discussion Group

The students will have read the book before the discussion group. Each student will have considered the following:

1. Context and authorship – research and understand the historical period and the personal history of the author.

2. The Literary Structure – conflict, plot, setting, characters and theme

3. Literary Style – what is the author’s signature style, literary devices used

Socratic discussion within the group will focus on the following (from Adam Andrew’s list):

1. Where does this story happen?
2. When does this story happen?
3. Who is the story about?
4. What does the protagonist want?
5. Why can’t he have it?
6. What other problems are there in the story?
7. What happens in the story?
8. How is the main problem solved?
9. How does the story end?
10. What does the protagonist learn?
11. What do the other characters learn?
12. What is the main idea or theme of the story?
13. What literary devices does the author use to create interest and effect?
14. Who is the author, where did he live, when did he live and what were his beliefs?