Final answer:
The answer provides guidance on analyzing the opening scene or first few paragraphs of a literary work to identify central themes, examining how authors challenge societal norms, and discussing the use of time in constructing a story's plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question prompt is asking you to choose one of the given literary works and analyze how the opening scene or first few paragraphs introduce a central idea or theme. To write your essay, you should examine the language, imagery, symbolism, and character interactions used in the opening scene to understand the author's intended message. For example, in 'One of These Days' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the first few paragraphs introduce the theme of power dynamics and injustice through the portrayal of a dental visit between a humble dentist and the mayor of the town.
To analyze how an author challenges the status quo in a society or community, you should look for instances where the characters or events in the story challenge established norms or social expectations. You can discuss how the author uses dialogue, character actions, or plot developments to critique the prevailing culture. For instance, in 'Trifles' by Susan Glaspell, the play challenges the male-dominated society of the time by foregrounding the perspectives and experiences of women in the investigation of a murder case.
To discuss the author's use of time in constructing a story's plot, you can explore how the use of techniques like in medias res (starting in the middle of the plot) or flashbacks contribute to the overall meaning of the work. Analyze the impact of these temporal shifts on the reader's understanding of the story and its themes. For example, in 'The First Day' by Edward P. Jones, the use of flashbacks helps to reveal the complexities of the mother's past and her hopes for her daughter's future.
Learn more about Analyzing literary techniques and themes in selected works