Supplementary Materials

Discussion Questions forPoems by Kay Ryan

1. Identify one poem by Kay Ryan that you want to analyze from the following list: "How a Thought Thinks" (101), "To a Young Anglerfish" (107), "Part Midas" (135), "The Excluded Animals" (157), "Composition" (159), "Grazing Horses" (166), "Waste" (167), "Lime Light" (190).

2. Identify words or phrases in the poem that need more explanation in order to have a better understanding of the poem.

3. any use of figurative language in poem: simile, metaphor, metonymy, personification, symbol. What does she compare to what?

4. Why did she choose this particular comparison as a topic in her poem?

5. Does this poem contain some sort of ironic twist? If so, explain that twist.

6. What, in your group's opinion, is the overall meaning of the poem? Are there any other poems by Kay Ryan that provide a helpful comparison to this poem?

Discussion Questions for Pride and Prejudice, Vol. II, Chs. I-VI

1. What does Elizabeth find troubling about Charlotte Lucas's marriage, and how does this change her manner of interacting with Charlotte?

2. Why, according to Mrs. Gardiner, should Elizabeth avoid marrying Wickham?

3. What does Miss Bingley do in London to convince Jane that she is not really a friend?

4. What brings Wickham's flirtation with Elizabeth Bennet to an end? How does Elizabeth feel about this?

5. What is Mr. Collins' advice to Elizabeth about how to dress for dinner with Lady Catherine de Bourgh?

6. What does Elizabeth Bennet think of Lady Catherine de Bourgh after having a meal at Rosings?

Discussion Questions forFlannery O'Connor's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own"

1. What makes Lucynell think Mr. Shiftlet is "no one to be afraid of"? Do you think she is right? Why might she be mistaken about this?

2. O'Connor writes that Shiftlet turns his face "toward the sun which appeared to be balancing itself on the peak of a small mountain" (48). How does this description of the sun add to the tone of the story?

3. What does Mr. Shiftlet mean to communicate with his story of a doctor who "cut the human heartÑthe human heart" (48)?

4. What does Lucynell, Sr. want from Mr. Shiftlet?, Sr. want from Mr. Shiftlet?

5. Why does the boy at The Hot Spot compare Lucynell, Jr. to an "angel of Gawd"?

6. What is going through Mr. Shiftlet's mind when he starts a conversation about mothers with a hitchhiker? Why does the boy at The Hot Spot compare Lucynell, Jr. to an "angel of Gawd"?

7. What is going through Mr. Shiftlet's mind when he starts a conversation about mothers with a hitchhiker?