American Literature–Exercise #2

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Task #1: “People Who Could Fly” (11-13):

Identify the oral signatures of this story. In other words, you’ll need to look at the structure of the story AND think about what happens when stories are not written down but are passed down through the generations. What steps must the storyteller (or griot) take to ensure that the story endures? Write down some notes, and share your discoveries with the class.

Task #2: “The Steel-Drivin' Man” (15-18):

Develop a short outline for “The Steel Drivin’ Man.” (I will post a longer outline later.)

Task #3: “The Steel-Drivin' Man” (15-18):

What do you think happens to Lucy after John Henry’s death? Knowing that John Henry was trying to earn enough money to buy Lucy’s freedom and then marry her, do you believe that Captain Walters will give Lucy the $50.00 won by John Henry so that she will be able to buy her own freedom? Explain why or why not.

Task #4: “The Steel-Drivin' Man” (15-18):

In 250-500 words, rewrite this story from Captain Walter’s point of view.

Task #5: “Stagolee” (21-30) (See also lyrics based on the legend of Stagolee, three versions:

Write a plot summary of this story, retold in 1969 by Julius Lester, and identify at least three instances of exaggeration (which is one of the marks of a humorous/satirical story). (I will post a summary later.)

Task #6: “The Goophered Grapevine” (36-46 and online):

Guest Speaker, Dr. Gerald Siegel.

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