Your homework assignment is to a write an essay on one of the following topics:
1. Compare the young main characters (John Harcourt, Jan Yulak, Amy Tan) in each of the three works studied. Clearly, what they have in common is a child/parent conflict. But think critically of ways that these individuals differ or are similar to each other. Draw inspiration from your own careful thought and abilities to make observations, connections and analyses of their personalities and the circumstances in which they find themselves.
OR
2. Compare John Harcourt Senior, Mr. Yulak, and Amy Tan’s mother from the three works studied. Clearly, what they have in common is a difficulty with their child. But think critically of ways that these individuals differ or are similar to each other. Draw inspiration from your own careful thought and abilities to make observations, connections and analyses of their personalities and the circumstances in which they find themselves.
OR
3. The works studied are presented in three media: short story (Callaghan), radio play (Stephen), essay (Tan). What specific advantages or disadvantages are relevant in how successfully the writers use their chosen medium to communicate their important ideas? (It is necessary to carefully consider the main features of each medium, and how these features might limit or facilitate the authors’ communication with their readership.)
