Reference no: EM133309886

Assignment:

Use the discussion prompts here to do so. (a paragraph about Pushkin's "The Queen of Spades." a paragraph about Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis.")

"The Queen of Spades"

1. One way to understand Pushkin's story is to examine Hermann's psychological dissolution. Why does Hermann go crazy? How would you describe the trajectory of his madness--from the opening scene at the poker game to the closing scene at the insane asylum? What is Hermann obsessed by? (Money, power? Winning?) Why does he become obsessed by the story about the Countess's secret knowledge of three winning cards? How does it take hold of his mind? What unethical actions does he perform as a result? What kinds of hallucinations does he suffer?

2. Gambling is a main theme in the story. making an analysis describing which characters win the most and which characters lose the most. How does wealth and social prestige influence whether a gambler can recuperate devastating losses at the gambling table?

3. Pushkin's story can be read as a tale about Hermann's desperation to "win big" and join the social ranks of the more powerful. It is debatable as to whether Pushkin's tale is about Hermann's psychological demise or whether it is a supernatural tale of revenge in which the Countess returns to thwart Hermann's success at the gambling table. Choose one of these readings. for an analysis of the story supporting your position. In each case, determine what the story indicates about the power of a social system in which money and social rank warp the perspectives of its members.

"The Metamorphosis"

1 Choose one of the prompts and respond about the story.