This class agenda covers a discussion of questions and theories from the novel Room, close readings of passages from the text, and a review of essay prompt #3. Students will analyze passages that could be used for a critical essay applying a theoretical lens. The final exam will be comprehensive and include an objective section and 500-1000 word essay. Homework evaluations and the final exam essay are due this week.

1. EWRT 1C Class
Class 31

2. AGENDA
 QHQ Discussion
 Questions and Theories
 Close Readings
 Review of Prompt #3
 Homework Assessment

4. Group Discussion
Questions and QHQs

5. QHQ: “Living” Jack
1. Q: How has Jack’s upbringing affected him?
2. Q: In the chapter “Living” Jack’s mother is away in the
hospital for much of the time, due to the fact that she tried to
commit suicide. In what ways does Jack cope with the fact
that the only person he has known for the last five years, his
sole support system, his one and only friend, and his ma, is no
longer with him as much as she used to be because and is
finally able and trying to get the help she needs, but at the
detriment to her ability to give Jack love and attention?
3. Q: Why is Jack so disturbingly attached to his Ma’s rotten old
tooth, and what’s the significance of this attachment?

6. QHQ: “Living” Jack
1. Q: why does Jack no longer recognize “room” when
he returns with Ma a few weeks after their escape?
2. Q: What is the significance of the passage “There’s
the mark of Track around Bed. The little hole
rubbed in Floor where our feet used to go under
Table. I guess this really was Room one time. “But
not anymore”?
3. Q: Why is it so important for Jack to visit to Room?

7. QHQ: ”Living” Jack and Ma
1.Q: Are Jack and Ma both recovered from
their trauma?
2.Q: Should they truly need to change their
names to move on? What would mean for
them to change their name, especially
Jack’s?

8. QHQ Ma’s Parents
 Q: How badly traumatized are Ma’s parents by the
disappearance and return of their daughter, and
the grandchild they knew nothing of? Are they more
or less traumatized than Ma and Jack?
 Q: Why is Jack’s Grandma so short with Jack with
regard to his lack of socialization and
understanding?

9. Focus on a close reading of a passage (or passages)
that you could use to do a critical reading through a
theoretical lens.
“Listen Jack, I need to tell you another story.”
“A true one?”
“Totally true, you know how I used to be all sad?”
I like this one. “Then I came down from Heaven and
grew in your tummy.”
“Yeah, but see, why I was sad—it was because of
Room”, says Ma. Old Nick—I didn’t even know him, I was
nineteen. He stole me.” (93)

10. Focus on a close reading of a passage (or passages)
that you could use to do a critical reading through a
theoretical lens.
During the first half of Room, T.V. is established as a brain
rotting type of crutch, and it tortures Ma for years– she
reaches a point when she won’t allow herself to hear
commercials. During “Living,” we see Jack’s grandma
unintentionally contribute to his trauma, and use T.V. as a
mind numbing crutch for herself. Jack shows signs of
separation anxiety when he won’t let Grandma leave him
to bed: “Some light comes in, it’s the door opening. ‘Where
are you going?’ I can see Grandma’s shape all black in the
hole. ‘…I’m going to watch my shows, they’re not for
children.’ …’I’m not sleepy, I just need to watch TV and not
think for a while’” (Donoghue, 257).

11. Questions
1. What role do you think the media
play in the novel? How does the
media contribute to the trauma.

12. Essay #3: Response to the Novel/Novella
 The Writing Assignment
 In a thesis driven essay of 4-7 pages, analyze one or more
aspects of Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank
Redemption, Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Elie Wiesel’s
Night, or Emma Donoghue’s Room. Consider using one
extrinsic theoretical lens (Feminist, Psychoanalytic, or
Trauma theories), that we have practiced this quarter to
complicate your argument. Aim to convince readers that
your interpretation adds to the conversation among those
who read stories and write about them. Back up your
analysis with reasons and support from the story. Use the
critical strategies that we have practiced this quarter.
See the complete assignment on our website

13. Posting: Self-Assessment
The blogging post points (100) require self-assessment.
Consider three aspects of your responses:
• First, how many of the posts did you make? (26 possible)
• Second, how timely were your submissions? Third, what
was the quality of your responses
• Write a brief argument justifying or explaining your grade.
This is due Friday, week 11, before noon.
Please submit your justification through the Kaizena
“comments” feature.

14. There were 26 posts assigned. I think I gave you a pass on one 1 so that leaves
25. You had two make-up opportunities, so those posts aren’t included in your
total, but they do count toward completed posts.
Figure your grade this way: 100/25 = 4 points per post minus 2 points for each
late post (48 hours after the due time. There are no points awarded for posts
more than 48 hours late). Then, multiply the total times the average grade
percentage for the quality of your work.
Example
Posts completed: 24 x 4 points = 96 points
Late posts: 2 x 2= 4
Subtract the smaller from the larger: 96 – 4 = 92
Quality of posts: A or 95%
Multiply the total times the quality: 92 x.95= or 87/100 points.
If I commented positively on your post, add a percentage post to your quality.
So if you got two “atta girl” comments, and you did A work, give yourself a
97%. If you got negative comments, subtract points from your quality
percentage.

15. Final Exam
 200 points available: same format as mid-
term
 Comprehensive objective section: The style
is the same as the mid-term. It covers the
whole quarter. 100 points.
 Essay Question: 500-1000 words: 100 points

16. Schedule and Due Dates
 Friday, week 11 (this week)
 Homework Evaluations due at
noon
 Online Class 32: Work on Essay
#3
 Final Exam: Wednesday, June 22rd
9:15am to 11:15 am

17. EWRT 1C Class 30
Questions?

18. Homework
Post your homework
assessment on
Kaizena using the
comment feature.