Hemingway: Day 3

Stream of consciousness: a narrative device or technique a writer uses to develop character (characterization). The writer does this by presenting the THOUGHTS of a character as they would occur in the mind. It is similar to an internal monologue that a character has about his/her situation in the narrative of the story. The character is speaking to him/herself in stream of consciousness. This technique is unique to fiction or poetry. It is similar to the voice over (VO) in film or the soliloquy in plays. It is useful to:

• Provide characterization or develop character
• Explains the attitude or POV of the character's mind or thought process

Flashback: a narrative technique useful in plotting. Usually, stories are written in chronological time (i.e., a story is told from the beginning to the end of an event). A flashback, however, allows the writer to insert a scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point (present). Flashbacks are used to:

• Provide important background or story details
• Develop details about a character (characterization)
• It helps to develop setting
• It can be used to create suspense

Let's read a little bit of "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Complete this longer short story for homework if you did not do so already. See homework below...

Diversion: Advanced Time Management; let's see if there's more to learn...

Most of Hemingway’s stories have simple plots revolving around the theme of death or alienation. Two characters usually do not have the same world view (or opinion) and their conversation or relationship is strained by miscommunication (or the fact that a character cannot explain him/herself to another human being.) This is a typical trope in 20th-century literature, and in particular of writers of the Lost Generation. [Take a couple of minutes to learn about the Lost Generation--see link]!

In your first draft you should have chosen a situation, written a story that focused on the here and now--a single moment or a limited time period in one location. You were instructed not to get into the minds of the characters yet, but focus on the dialogue between the two or three characters. For further details, please refer to the assignment below this post.

By now you should have a completed draft #1. If you do not have a complete draft #1, please complete draft #1 and label it as such before you continue.

Complete? Then go on to these instructions:

Draft Two: Flashback

1. After you complete the basic story. Write a second draft including the following:

a. Find moments in the story for your character to think about or refer to his/her past. Select these moments and for each one, develop the inner dialogue of your protagonist.
b. This “flashback” should reveal personal opinions, reflect on the situation, and/or connect ideas and people with your character’s past. Your character’s past should be detailed with much verisimilitude.
c. You may cover years or many days or a great length of time for your flashbacks. You may also change scenery or setting.
2. Separate your flashbacks for now by italicizing them.

Write your draft #2. Please label this draft, draft #2! Use the rest of your class time today to write. You may also work on your homework if you need a break from writing...

HOMEWORK: Read the stories in the collection: "A Way You'll Never Be" & "Fifty Grand". If you missed any of the first 7 stories, read them too. Notice what we discussed in class concerning Hemingway's style. Bring your completed draft two story drafts back with you to our next class.