For Thursday, make sure to read Hemingway’s “Cat in the Rain” and Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” – – both included in our course anthology. [Trigger warning: Faulkner’s story uses some language that we might object to in other contexts.].
I’m not so interested in the “meaning” of these two stories. I’m more interested how the two stories reflect different approaches to narrative – – especially characterization and narration. In other words, as you read the stories, don’t worry about thematic issues or problems and try to focus more on the way each story is told.
I’ve read all of your reading journals – – and they are great! I’ve commented on them. However, due to a technical blunder, you may not see my brief comment. I’ve since resolved things so that in the future you can see that I’ve read your journal.
Bonus: As I was preparing the class, I stumbled upon this fascinating story – – “Barn Burning” – – by renowned Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami. Murakami isn’t just name-dropping Faulkner’s story; he seems to be rewriting and interpreting Faulkner’s story. I wonder what it is about the original story that Murakami finds so engaging?