Instruction
Topic: The Mothman Prophecies
Homework:
Read: Finish reading the Mothman Prophecies. Also, read the handouts a sociological rationale for the existence of appalachian literature by jack welch
Writing: Catte makes the case in her essay that Mothman is “our monster.” Once, my daughter asked me if Mothman was a “god guy or a bad guy?” Oddly, these two statements get at the heart of the Mothman riddle. If, as Catte writes, the Mothman is Appalachia’s monster, does that make him a good or bad guy? I want you to think of this in terms of “narratology,” that is, the study of why stories are told and why they either stay or fall out of favor. Considering this from the perspective of both an insider and outsider, does Mothman function as an agent of good (fit to the intention…if so, what is that intention) or evil (contrary to the situations that benefit life…if so, what are those favorable situations?). Make use of the texts. (3 pages)