The Curio Shop By William Kotzwinkle The following

The Curio Shop By William Kotzwinkle

The following quotes have larger implications within the context of the whole story: Ø “large sooty stains” (284) Ø If the bauble (or trinket) represents the Earth, “large sooty stains” could represent Ø pollution, exhaust, smog, etc.

“once the corrosion began it couldn’t be reversed” (284) Ø Again, if the bauble represents the Earth, this corrosion could represent… Ø the pollution or global warming that cannot be reversed

“The spirit must have departed only recently. ” (285) Ø Spirit refers to… Ø life, breath, enthusiasm, Ø On our Earth, the “spirit” could refer to… Ø The life within the Earth: plants, animals, people Ø If the life is departing, then the Earth is dying

“the glittering, milky boulevard” (287) Ø If the bauble represents Earth, the milky boulevard the Collector is walking down could be the “Milky Way” Ø This reference simply makes the symbolic reference to the Earth stronger

What is the turning point of the story? When does the symbolic notion of the trinket become clear? The Collector asks the name of the sphere, and the Seller responds, “He called it Earth” (287) Ø Now the reader clues in to the fact that the bauble is a symbol for the Earth Ø Now the “sooty stains” (pollution) and other deteriorations make sense: the Earth is also deteriorating Ø

Plot Graph X Climax: bauble’s name is “Earth” X – denouement: Collector walks down milky boulevard Crisis X – Collector purchases bauble X – Collector says “centre is filled with jewels” (286) Rising Action X – collector says “microbes” cause the deteriotation of the trinket Introduction: X – a chilling wail comes from the bauble Collector X – Seller says it no longer contains “a true spirit” & Seller (285) in a curio Complicating incident: a collector wishes to purchase a bauble but shop it has stains and rust on it (it is imperfect)

Determine the topic & theme Ø Topic: A collector in a curio shop wishes to purchase a decorative bauble Ø Theme: the Earth is deteriorating rapidly and humans must work to prevent more damage

Create a topic sentence Ø Remember to include title, author, topic and theme Ø One sentence Ø Order doesn’t matter Ø See “Once Upon a Time” sample paragraph

Track theme development: Ø Beginning: what is the author establishing? Ø Point: A collector is drawn to a decorative sphere but it is damaged; later the author reveals that the bauble symbolizes Earth Ø Proof? Ø Discussion? What is the significance of this damage?

Middle: what occurs to create conflict or change, leading the reader to think about the issue? Ø Point: The collector notices… Ø Proof Ø Discussion Ø Point Ø Proof Ø discussion

End: how does the ending reveal or reinforce the author’s theme? Ø Eg. How does the climax reinforce theme? What happens? What is revealed to the reader? Ø Point: The theme is revealed when…

Concluding Statement: Ø Remember to include title, author, topic and theme Ø State in a fresh new way (rephrase your topic sentence)