Bluffing: Fiction and Personal Response
Short Story: “Bluffing” by Gail Helgason
English 11
Total Marks: 24
On a separate piece of paper, respond to the questions below in full sentences. Attach the questions when you hand in your work.
Plot Elements (4)
1. List and explain any examples of foreshadowing you can find in the story. (2)
2. Quickly skim the sections of the story where the author uses flashbacks. What is the purpose of the flashbacks in Bluffing? (2)
Character (10)
3. How would you categorize Gabriela and Liam (flat, round, or stock, and static or dynamic) and why? (4)
4. Do the characters seem plausible? Why or why not? (2)
5. Find an example of “bluffing” in the story. What motivates the character to bluff? (2)
6. Do you think Liam tells the truth about his reasons for running from the grizzly? Why or why not? (2)
Point of View(6)
7. From what point of view is the story told? (1)
8. Consider how this perspective affects the story. Can you detect any bias? Explain. (3)
9. What are some things that would change if the story were told from Liam’s perspective? (2)
Personal Response (4)
8. Give your personal response to the story. You may want to consider some of these questions in your response:
Were you able to relate to characters or situations in the story?
What did you like/dislike about it?
What else do you know about Grizzly attacks, or other Grizzly stories (true or fictional)?
What do you think might happen next if the story were to go
English 11
Total Marks: 24
On a separate piece of paper, respond to the questions below in full sentences. Attach the questions when you hand in your work.
Plot Elements (4)
1. List and explain any examples of foreshadowing you can find in the story. (2)
2. Quickly skim the sections of the story where the author uses flashbacks. What is the purpose of the flashbacks in Bluffing? (2)
Character (10)
3. How would you categorize Gabriela and Liam (flat, round, or stock, and static or dynamic) and why? (4)
4. Do the characters seem plausible? Why or why not? (2)
5. Find an example of “bluffing” in the story. What motivates the character to bluff? (2)
6. Do you think Liam tells the truth about his reasons for running from the grizzly? Why or why not? (2)
Point of View(6)
7. From what point of view is the story told? (1)
8. Consider how this perspective affects the story. Can you detect any bias? Explain. (3)
9. What are some things that would change if the story were told from Liam’s perspective? (2)
Personal Response (4)
8. Give your personal response to the story. You may want to consider some of these questions in your response:
Were you able to relate to characters or situations in the story?
What did you like/dislike about it?
What else do you know about Grizzly attacks, or other Grizzly stories (true or fictional)?
What do you think might happen next if the story were to go