Directions: Choose one short story this week (one only) that you feel has the most merit or value, and support your case using the criteria we previously used for visual arts: perfection of form, degree of insight, and inexhaustibility/engagement. See Some Possible Criteria for Judging Creative Works if you need to. I should see these concepts used explicitly in your discussion. Be sure an support your position with details from the story, how it is written or constructed, how much you feel it has to tell us about humans, human culture, etc., what lasting value it may have and why, and so on. Write 250-275 words (more is fine). 

You might also consult the list of universal themes and concepts in the Humanities, which were listed in the Museum Review/Art Analysis assignment. These may help you locate a theme (or themes) you see in the short story that you feel is significant.

If you plan well, you can use the same story choice for your Week 8 Writing Assignment. It has more of an interpretive focus that would relate to degree of insight and inexhaustibility. 

As usual, do not consult any outside sources from the internet or in print. Doing so will mean a zero/0 on the assignment. I want to hear your ideas, not someone else’s. 

Link for the story: http://jessamyn.com/barth/colby.html

Art Analysis

Donald Barthelme’s Some of us have been threatening our friend Colby is a story about a group of male friends that seem educated and upper class that is tired of their peer’s past behavior and feel that he had gone too far. When the story begins, it seems ridiculous to hang someone due to some vague reasons. For instance, during their discussions on how he was going to be executed, his choice of music is among the unacceptable actions that reinforce the group’s decision. Barthelme’s story is satirical due to the ridiculous way in which they organize the ideas of capital punishment as the only way to correct the offender. The author mentions Colby going too far but does not explain in what way. Moreover, other forms of punishment are not suggested.

Barthelme’s article is well organized and structured in that readers can see a clear picture of the follow up of events as the peers discuss. For instance, they casually argue about trees, gibbets, firing squad, and wire/rope. Moreover, the theme of love is visible in the script because they plan the event like a wedding by hiring musicians, making invitation cards, and traveling to the scene with limousines. These events also show the limitations of criminal law since they fear that if authorities learn about it, they could be prosecuted.

The author offers an exhaustive degree of insight into hanging as a form of punishment that was used in the past. The mention of gibbet and a hung man shows that it was a common practice in society. He also perfects the art of narration and creates a sense of anticipation for the readers as one would like to know more about the issues that Colby did to warrant his execution. The story also evokes thoughts regarding human morality. For instance, they are concerned about environmental protection rather than their friend’s life. Accordingly, they plan his death using perverted reasoning and do not regard their punishment as extreme murder.

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