A9: Social Realism of “I Want to Work” by Sherwood Anderson

A9:Social Realism of “I Want to Work” by Sherwood Anderson ENG 201 Introduction to Literature Prof. Sally Everson Metropolitan University-Bayamon

Reading 9: I Want to Work Read the information about the author and think about the rhetorical situation. Then read the story, first in Spanish, then in English. Answer the “After Reading” questions for discussion.

Before You Read Think about or analyze the rhetorical situation: AUTHOR – Who is he? Why is he writing this story? AUDIENCE: Who is it (originally)? What did they know about the author? What did they expect from him or the story? TEXT: When was it written and published? Where was it published? How has the text changed since it was first published?

While Your Read: Observe

After Reading Answer these questions about the story: In your own words, why doesn’t this capable, experienced workman have a job? What are working men and women’s attitudes toward the machines according to the narrator? What attitude do the factory managers have toward the machines? What are the positive and the negative effects of machines, as shown in this story?

The workman says he was "born a Yank" (a "Yankee"). How has his background and childhood affected his life? Why do you think the workman wants to read about the Civil War? What was Grant’s “big idea”? What do you think is the “big idea” or “what we’re up against” of the workman’s problem? What is the narrator’s final attitude toward the workman? After Reading

A9: Social Realism of “I Want to Work” by Sherwood Anderson