Thursday, January 21, 2010
Chapter 4-Writing about stories
When it comes to storytelling, the elements of fiction are what make each story unique. Characters are the most interesting because making them 3 dimensional takes work from the author and often have the most story to tell. In "The story of an Hour," Mrs. Mallard is the antagonist and her opinions matter most to the reader because of the way it is written. The other characters, especially Richards' are characterized by their actions rather than thoughts like Mrs. Mallard.
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Mrs. Mallard is made three-dimensional not only by her thoughts by the development of her character as well. More than the insight we have in to the characters thoughts and actions, the changes that take place in that character due to the plot are what make them the most dynamic. You can have complete insight in to a character but if they never change they are just as flat as a side-character with no dialogue.
ReplyDeleteis mallard the antagonist or the protagonist? considering the time period in which she lives, it would depend on the reader. common law at that time dictated that for a woman to own property, she would have to be a widow. widows were often given more rights than single or married women. i think the idea is to provoke the reader into making that decision for themselves. however, this had an unintended effect: men of the time chose not to pick up on the subtlety and decided to go with the conclusion that mallard died of happiness, because it was more comfortable for them. in that case, she would be a protagonist, among with readers inclined to side with women's rights. it's all in the eye of the beholder.
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