Thinking about Kate Chopin's The Storm

In class today, we discussed Kate Chopin's The Storm. I love this short story not only because it so clearly articulates the feminist lens, but also because of her ability to depict womanhood in such concise and evocative language. Her writing reflected her belief that freedom was much more a matter of spirit and character than physical confinements.

Lines like, "The growl of the thunder was distant and passing. The rain beat softly upon the shingles, inviting them to drowsiness and sleep. But they dared not yield" (Chopin, 145), paint a deeply profound allegorical image of the two characters' passion for each other and for life.

Your essays ask you to describe a time you rebelled and my hope is that you will take a few pointers from Chopin this week!

Letters of Note

Here is the link I discussed in class that should help you with your first writing assignment!

Letters of Note


Below is one of my favorite letters from one of the great American letter writers, Benjamin Franklin.


Transcript

Philada. July 5. 1775

Mr. Strahan

You are a Member of Parliament, and one of that Majority which has doomed my Country to Destruction. You have begun to burn our Towns and murder our People. — Look upon your hands! They are stained with the Blood of your Relations! — You and I were long Friends:— You are now my Enemy, — and

I am,

Yours.

B. Franklin

(Source: http://www.lettersofnote.com/search?q=+benjamin+franklin)