Assignments for Analysis. 1. Find all the sentences and phrases showing that it was a usual thing for Gretchen to chase «the Invisible Adversary»

1. Find all the sentences and phrases showing that it was a usual thing for Gretchen to chase «the Invisible Adversary», that it was her usual pastime. Pay special attention to the tense form of the narration.

2. What are the units of time Joyce Carol Oats used in the story? What is the effect created?

3. Comment on Gretchen’s smile. Comment on the choice of adjectives describing her smile. Does her smile contribute to something?

4. Comment on the choice of words the author resorts to describe her appearance. Make a list of words describing her appearance? What method of characterization does the author use?

5. Does the author side with the girl? What is your personal attitude towards her?

6. Does the author explain the girl’s behavior? Point out all the acts of vandalism committed by Gretchen.

7. Can we say that the girl is from a well-to-do family? Find the examples in the text to prove your idea.

8. The girl saw her mother in the shop. Why did not Gretchen call for her?

9. Why is she so indifferent to some things? Point out the words used by the author to show her indifference. What makes the girl happy and what things interest her?

10. Who is the Invisible Adversary? Why was it necessary for the girl to imagine some invisible creature? Why did not she kill him at the end of the story? What side of human relationships does the story touch upon?

11. Does the syntax of the story deserve any attention? Find and comment on the examples of graphical means used in the story.

12. Point out the words with the negative meaning. Are there many such words in the story? Are there many words that are repeated several times? What are these words? Are they positive in their meaning?

13. Does the title correspond to the idea of the story?

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