That’s So Messed Up! Unit

This unit examines the idea of dysfunctional characters and their impact on plot, characterization and theme. We will also examine the connections to the time periods and specific literary/style elements in the passages. The following titles are the required readings for the unit and are found in your Windows and Mirrors textbook. We will use these for class discussions, journal entries, quizzes and activities. Materials will be combined for several tests. You will also have a major essay at the end of the unit that incorporates critical research with your interpretations. It will also count as a test grade.

Required readings:

  • “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allen Poe
  • “Mirror” by Sylvia Plath
  • “The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot
  • Selected poems by Emily Dickinson
  • “The Life You Save May be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor
  • “Game” by Donald Barthelme
  • “The Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Use of critical research in writing

Literary Style Elements: Gothic literature, symbolism, psychological literature, confessional poetry, disillusionment, imagery, alternative punctuation, enjambment, irony, allusions, ___ for the game?

Journal Entries: (due after completed discussion of the topics) All journals have a one-page minimum requirement and must be written in blue or black ink. Use evidence from the texts to support you interpretations. Attach a journal feedback sheet to your journal before turning in.

  1. “Usher” and “Mirror”: How do the writers use setting and/or objects to provide commentary about the characters?
  2. “Prufrock” and Dickinson: Compare the point of view and outlook of Prufrock and the speakers in Dickinson’s poems. What does the point of view tell us about society in that time period?
  3. “Life” and “Game”: What are the internal beliefs/motives of the characters? How are this internal views a glimpse of deeper comments from the authors about society?
  4. “Veil”: How does Hawthorne develop this as an allegory? What do critics say about the veil?

Final Essay:

Who is the most dysfunctional character and why? Consider all of the following in your response.

  • How would you characterize the character/speaker?
  • What is the impact of this character’s dysfunction on the plot and theme?
  • What do critics say about this character? How does this support or refute your ideas?

Provide a well-developed response with at least 3 critical assessments and a works cited page.

Independent Reading:

In addition to the required readings, you will have your choice of independent reading. All poems and short stories are in your Windows and Mirrors textbook; the novels are available on a limited basis from the English Department and Media Center.

Choice 1:

Read the novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and two short stories, “The Outcasts of Poker Flats” by Brett Harte and “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving.

Choice 2:

Read the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and three poems: “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, “MiniverCheevy” and “Richard Cory” by Edgar Arlington Robinson.

Independent reading assignments: Your group will be expected to complete a critical analysis of the novels and a style analysis of the poetry or short stories. Each member will be responsible for specific parts of the analysis. Groups will need to turn in a list of the assigned areas after their first literature circle discussion. Literature circles will meet and discuss the connections to the unit concept of dysfunction and its effects on plot, characterization and theme. The complete rubric and assignment information are available at