Reflection Essay

Reading:
A Story I would not have chosen to read on my own outside of this class is “Spunk” by Zora Neale Hurston. At first, I assumed it would feel distant because of its dialect, its rural setting, and its themes rooted in early twentieth-century Southern life. Instead, I was surprised by how vivid and engaging the story became once I locked into the narrative voice. I appreciated the sharp character dynamics and the bold, supernatural twist that reflects the community’s sense of justice. Reading it taught me that stories outside my usual style can still be powerful and exciting when I give them a chance.

Interpreting:
The work I found most difficult to interpret was “Who’s Telling the Story?”, because its shifting perspectives made it challenging to decide what to believe. The story constantly pushed me to question how much the narrator shapes the truth and how easily storytelling can push reality. To understand it better, I reread scenes from different viewpoints and slowed down to comprehend how each narrator influenced the meaning. Over time, I came to see the story’s main point as an exploration of the instability of truth and how perspective defines every narrative. This interpretation helped me appreciate the story’s complexity instead of feeling confused by it.

Analyzing:
The story whose technical and artistic choices stood out most was “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel García Márquez. The mix of magical realism with a detached, almost matter-of-fact tone creates a powerful contrast between the ordinary and the miraculous. Márquez’s choices in imagery, pacing, and understatement made me feel both fascinated and unsettled, which I realized was intentional. Before this class, I rarely noticed how tone and structural minimalism could shape a reader’s emotional response. Now, I am much more aware of how writers use subtle techniques to influence meaning, and this will make my future reading more perceptive.

Evaluating:

The work I would most recommend to someone else is “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway. I chose it because its simple language and quiet setting reveal surprisingly deep themes about loneliness, dignity, and the need for refuge. My standards for choosing it include emotional impact, thematic richness, and the ability to speak to different readers regardless of background. Hemingway’s minimalistic style allows the story’s meaning to unfold slowly, encouraging reflection rather than forcing a message. I would hope readers come away with a greater understanding of the human need for peace, purpose, and a place to feel safe.

 Conclusion and Assessment

 Reading such diverse stories this semester has helped me grow as a reader by challenging my assumptions and sharpening my interpretive skills. The project I gained the most from was the interpretation assignment, because it required me to analyze complex passages, consider multiple possibilities, and trust my own reasoning. Through this process, I learned to read more slowly and thoughtfully, especially when a story is ambiguous or layered. If I look back on this portfolio years from now, I think I will remember the progress I made in becoming a more confident and careful reader. It reflects not only the works I studied, but also the personal growth that came from engaging deeply with them.