Transcript Short Story – The Kayak

Short Story
The Kayak
Intro
Why do people tell stories?
What is the difference between stories about real
events, and stories about fictional events? Which
do you like better?
 What are some stories you remember, or like?
 Vonnegut Advice: Short Stories
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American author Kurt Vonnegut combined satiric social commentary
and black comedy with surrealist and science fictional elements. His
best known works are Player Piano (1952), Cat's Cradle (1963),
Slaughterhouse-Five (1969; film, 1972), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
Known for his outspoken political opinions,Vonnegut also produced a
host of essays, articles, and short stories. A number of his works have
been translated into television or film, and he graced a few of these
with cameo appearances. Vonnegut was also a graphic artist, and
illustrated a number of his works himself.
Investigating the Model
1) The lead of a story should catch the
reader’s attention, identify main character,
introduce conflict, define setting, and
establish point of view. Does “The Kayak”
accomplish this?
 2) The plot revolves around a conflict.
Identify an external and internal conflict,
and tell how they are related.
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Investigating the Model
3) Authors often use details of setting to
reflect on the character’s state of mind.
Find an example of this.
 4) What point of view is this story
written? Why did Debbie Spring choose
this point of view?
 5) Physical details: identify two passages
that provide details about character’s
appearance.
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Investigating the Model
6)What do you feel is the theme?
 Work through Writer’s Workshop
pp. 39 – 40
 The Kayak.mov
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Grammar
Pronoun – word that takes the place of
a noun
 Preposition – word that shows the
relationship between a noun or pronoun
and another word in the same sentence.
 Conjunction – joining word that
connects words or groups of words –
and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor
 Interjection – word that shows strong
feeling or emotion
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