Scholars, do not make the mistake of not writing while you read. We will start our analysis of Chopin's novella with some practice on this skill. You will read three of the articles in our supplementary materials packet, #1, 2 and 4. These include an anonymous biography and two book reviews (by Cantwell and Stripe). While reading these, I want you to take notes on the themes in the novel. Knowing nothing about the novel, what can you deduce about the novel's themes from these articles?

This is the exact skill you must master when preparing for your junior theme. When reading chapters of books and articles about your author or novel, what can you cull from the reading to help you better understand your theme?

Author's will rarely directly address what you are looking for thematically. You are going to have to read your sources carefully--skimming them, re-reading portions closely, taking thoughtful notes as needed (writing summary and your evaluation of the ideas presented)--if you are to effectively write about your novel's theme.