Essay Topics:

For "The Sniper"

Analyze the use of point of view to maximize the ironic impact at the end of the story.

Do you believe the sniper will continue fighting after he discovers the identify of the man he has murdered?  Why or why not?

"The Necklace:

Has Madame Loisel's character changed at the end of the story?  Why or why not? Support with evidence from the story.

Did Madame Loisel's character contribute to her own downfall?

Analyze the theme of deception - of oneself as well as of others - and the role deception played in Madame Loisel's downfall.

Explore the use of point of view to create the ironic impact of the story.

"The Cask of Amontillado"

Analyze the use of irony in the short story of "The Cask of Amontillado".

Does Fortunato contribute to his own death? Why or why not. Support with evidence from the text.

Explore the theme of the unreliable narrator in "The Cask of Amontillado".

"The Most Dangerous Game":

Explore the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game". Is it justifiable to hunt animals for sport?  Why or why not?  Can animals think, reason, feel emotion?