Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a definite thesis statement. Use the texts when necessary to support your answer, but do not merely summarize plot. Your paper should be 5-7 pages in length; no fewer than 5 full pages will suffice, and more than that is probably necessary to completely answer these questions.

Essays must be either typed on a typewriter or printed from a computer–12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced. This paper is due on Friday, March 5. Papers handed in late will receive a one grade deduction for each day/class late. I will be happy to look at drafts. In fact, I encourage you to come in with a draft and/or send e-mail with questions.

You must, by noon of the day the paper is due, also upload a copy of your paper to turnitin.com following the process outlined in class.

Read the questions carefully. Support all answers with examples from the text, but do not merely summarize plot–analyze!

1) The central theme throughout Beattie’s stories (at least those in this collection) concerns relationships, particularly as described from the female perspective. Choose three stories in The Burning House with which to conduct a discussion of relationships in Beattie’s stories. To what general conclusion can you come regarding the nature of relationships in the three stories you have selected?

2) Discuss the importance of hands (in "Learning to Fall") and feet (in "Girl Talk"). What do feet and hands represent, and why and how are they used in these two stories?

3) Write an analysis of "The Burning House," and discuss the themes in that story as they reflect the themes in the collection as a whole. Your analysis of the story itself should include discussion of theme, character, and symbolism but should avoid plot summary. Then discuss why and how the ideas in "The Burning House" reflect the ideas in The Burning House. Why do you think Beattie chose that story to title the entire collection?