Questions to answer -- work with your desk partner to use the links to the right and also a search engine like Google to answer the following questions. YES-- You should have some WRITTEN notes for our discussion in class!
1. List some basic (and not so basic) biographical information about him. What is something interesting about O'henry's life? Remember-- authors often write based on personal experience, attitudes, beliefs, etc. How do you think that may impact the theme/tone of "After 20 Years" (come back to this question after reading) 2. Compare/Contrast New York/Chicago in the early 1900's. Look at pictures and watch the videos to develop a general idea about what are some of the BIGGEST similarities and differences with not only the actual cities themselves but with the residents, the living conditions, the "climate" (social and otherwise), the possibilities and opportunities found within each, etc. |
Before you read… build background & historical context…and the author (O henry).
*Westward Expansion & MORE Westward Expansion *Chicago early 1900's-- photo archives *Chicago History *New York 1900's (vimeo video) *New York City History & a Time Line *Life at the turn of the century NYC *more O henry bio information *Chicago & NY-- early years & architecture |
Images courtesy of Google images: