Close read Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link
Prompt 1: Symbolism:
Links short story, like previously, contains monsters of various types. The phrase pretty monsters is referenced more than once. Who are the pretty monsters and why are they labeled as such? What other pretty monsters might be referenced with that phrase? Are they the same or different as the pretty monsters described on p. 360? Explain your answer.
Prompt 2: Organizational strategies:
This short story is broken into sections, with headers L, C, and L C. In addition, L, Lee, is reading a book throughout the short story. What is the purpose of the alternating headers in this short story (what is Links intent)? How does Lees book fit into this organization? How do you think the last section, L C, connects the headers to Lees book? And how does that tie into your act of reading as an audience member (note the quote on p. 388And if you go back to the beginning and read it again, you may discover it isnt the same story you thought youd read. Stories shift their shape); how did THIS story shift once you got to the end (think about theme, meaning, POV, etc.).
