Week Five: Dialogue

Mon 2/5 (S):

    • Review Chapter 3 of Burroway (Friday's homework assignment)

  • Read "Hills Like White Elephants" in your reader.

      • Pay attention to how Hemingway uses dialogue to craft his story. How does literary dialogue different from the actual dialogue you overhear?

Tues 2/6 (Block B) or Weds 2/7 (Block E) (L):

  • Note: if you wish, you can do the following assignment a bit earlier, over the weekend of 2/3-2/4.

  • Go to a cafe (or some other place where people are talking) and listen to people's dialogue.

      • Try to write down snippets of their speech.

      • Make notes on the way people talk (intonation, word choice, rhythm, speed, pacing)

      • Also, observe the gestures, movement, and facial expressions that accompany the way people converse.

      • Please be subtle and respectful!

        • Note: if you're not comfortable observing strangers, ask family members or friends if they mind if you observe and take notes on their conversation.

        • Note:if you write about a person I might know (in this or other journal entries), please change the name and a key characteristic of the person so I won't recognize them, if at all possible.

        • Note: Do NOT record or videotape anyone without their express permission! Very important!

      • You need only write 300 words on this topic; the remaining 400 words are your own choice.

      • Total word count: 700 words.

      • Put how long it took you at the beg. or end of your assignment

      • Please post on Canvas here

Thurs 2/8 (L): Story submission #1 due

  • Bring three copies to class to share with classmates

    • Note: this story will only be read by the three classmates in your workshopping group (t.b.a.)--not the whole class.

  • Important: no extensions on this assignment

  • If you have any questions about your story you want feedback on, I'd suggest writing them at the end of your story, rather than the beginning. Often a good idea to write down specific questions you have for your peers!

  • Requirements for Story Submission