Tobias Wolff

Tobias Wolff
Hunters in the Snow
Questions adapted from Holy Huddle

1. Describe the development of Frank and Tub’s relationship after Kenny is shot. What factors are at play here? Do you find it believable that they leave Kenny in the back of the truck while enjoying the warmth of a roadhouse—twice? Why or why not?

2. Lying is a common theme is Wolff’s stories. Identify places in the story where there’s a disconnect between what the characters think/feel/assert, and the reality of their situations. Are the characters actually lying? Deluding themselves?

3. In what ways are Kenny, Frank, and Tub products of our society?

4. Discuss the three principal characters in this story. How are they motivated? Who is the most sympathtic? What themes are suggested by their interactions?

5. When asked to list his favorite books, writer David Sedaris had this to say about In the Garden of the North American Martyrs: "[Wolff’s] stories are like parables, and after reading one I always vow to become a better person." Assuming that Sedaris subscribes to the dictionary definition of parable, how is "Hunters…" like a parable?
  
parable

(n): a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle 

FINISH THESE QUESTIONS BY THE END OF THE DAY (2/13/15)

WRITING
When you finish your questions/discussion, I would like you to begin planning for your first major writing piece. Your assignments is to write a story with unlikable characters.

HOMEWORK

1. Read John Wideman's Fever (pgs. 673-696)
2. Start to plan your first story. Assignment: Write a story with unlikeable characters (hint: this is not necessarily an unlikable story...)
3. Come to class after break with at least a couple of pages started and some planning.