Choose two of the following short stories: "Weather" by Carol Shields (553); "The Boat" by Alastair MacLeod; "Dogs in Winter" by Eden Robinson; "The Doctor" by Mavis Gallant (283); "The Painted Door" by Sinclair Ross (135).

In an essay of no more then 2000 words (5-7 typed, double-spaced pages), compare how the stories you choose deal with one of the following five themes: gender and sexuality; OR land and place; OR identity and difference; OR voice and image; OR agency and empowerment.

Remember to focus your topic carefully and critically: how do the language and narrative form of the story contribute to its meaning? How exactly does each writer engage with these concepts? What precise argument or claim do you want to make about how to interpret these texts?

Due IN CLASS on Monday, November 2, 2015.