[Company name]
ENG261
4
Assignm
ent 1
Memo |
Due 2
May
user
2025
[Date]
[Document subtitle]
,QUESTIONS. Please read the short story, “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street”,
written by Andrea Kaczmarek and illustrated by Sergii Shkoliar, by using this
link, and then respond to the following assignment questions and prompts. 1.
Write a short essay (1200 to 1500 words) based on this story in which you
identify and discuss the narrative and stylistic elements found in the story. a.
Start by discussing the more basic elements, such as setting,
characterisation, point of view, and plot, before trying to discuss the theme
of the story. (Hint: You can use the discussion questions at the end of the
story on the Storyberries website to help you with this thematic aspect of
your essay.) b. Consider the stylistic aspects of any parts of the story in
order to discuss at least three uses of figurative language. c. You are also
allowed to comment on some of the illustrations, but this is not strictly
necessary, and if you do comment on the illustrations, please clearly indicate
which illustration(s) you are referring to by saying which part of the text
comes before or after the picture(s) you are discussing. Ensure that the
images you select relate back to the text. (60 marks) 2. The beginning of
Kaczmarek’s story indicates that this is a “dark retelling of the famous fairy
tale, the Pied Piper of Hamelin”. There are several versions of this fairy tale,
with some famous ones being this poem by the Victorian poet, Robert
Browning, and Sir Terry Pratchett’s 4 | P a g e The Amazing Maurice and His
Educated Rodents (2001). Discuss how you might adapt the fairy tale
yourself, but in a retelling that you consider more suitable for a South
African, Intermediate Phase classroom. a. You do not have to retell or rewrite
the whole story, but you do need to consider what narrative elements you
might change in order to make it more suitable for such a group of South
African learners. You can rewrite parts of the story to illustrate what you
would change, but the main part of your response to this question needs to
be a discussion of what you would change and why you think this would
make the story more suited for such a South African classroom. For this
question, please write an essay of about 800 to 1200 words. (40 marks) 3.
Bonus! Paste a screenshot of your response to the “Book Club with a
Difference” Padlet activity at the end of your assignment for five bonus
marks. (Note that you cannot score more than 100 marks in total for this
assignment.) (5 marks) (Total: 100 marks)
Question 1: Short Essay on the Narrative and Stylistic Elements of “Don’t Laugh
in Bungelos Street” by Andrea Kaczmarek
Introduction:
“Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” by Andrea Kaczmarek is a thought-provoking and imaginative
story that presents a unique narrative, interwoven with vibrant stylistic elements that engage the
reader and provoke reflection on deeper themes of social exclusion, empathy, and the challenges
, of fitting in. Through its carefully crafted setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, and the
use of figurative language, the story conveys profound messages suitable for young readers. This
essay will delve into the narrative structure and stylistic features of the story, analyzing the
setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, theme, and figurative language, and highlighting the
role of illustrations in enhancing the narrative.
Setting:
The setting of “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” is integral to the story’s emotional impact and
its themes of social exclusion. The story takes place in a street, Bungelos Street, which is
depicted as an ordinary yet significant location. The street itself becomes symbolic of a larger
social environment, where differences, whether in appearance or behavior, are noticed, often
leading to exclusion or ridicule. The narrative's emphasis on this street as the setting reflects a
community where individuals are categorized or judged based on their conformity to societal
norms. The location is not just a physical space but an emotional one where the protagonist faces
challenges that resonate universally in human experiences.
Characterisation:
The characters in the story are vividly drawn, with each serving to illuminate key themes. The
central character, who is a child, is both the protagonist and the narrator. This character, through
their perspective, offers a unique window into the experience of being different in a community
that values sameness. The protagonist is sensitive to the reactions of others, which makes them
an empathetic character with whom young readers can easily identify. This creates a connection
between the reader and the character, making the journey of overcoming social pressures both
relatable and compelling.
Secondary characters in the story, such as the other children in the street, represent various
societal reactions to difference—ranging from curiosity to outright ridicule. These characters
play a key role in advancing the plot, acting as catalysts for the protagonist's internal and external
conflict. The author’s choice of making the children in the story act as a mirror to the
protagonist’s fears reflects how society often mirrors back our own insecurities, particularly
regarding our uniqueness.
Point of View:
The story is told from the first-person perspective of the protagonist, which allows readers to
deeply experience the emotional struggles of feeling out of place. The first-person narration
fosters empathy and understanding, as readers are able to see the events unfold through the
protagonist's eyes. This point of view also allows the author to focus on the internal conflict—the
ENG261
4
Assignm
ent 1
Memo |
Due 2
May
user
2025
[Date]
[Document subtitle]
,QUESTIONS. Please read the short story, “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street”,
written by Andrea Kaczmarek and illustrated by Sergii Shkoliar, by using this
link, and then respond to the following assignment questions and prompts. 1.
Write a short essay (1200 to 1500 words) based on this story in which you
identify and discuss the narrative and stylistic elements found in the story. a.
Start by discussing the more basic elements, such as setting,
characterisation, point of view, and plot, before trying to discuss the theme
of the story. (Hint: You can use the discussion questions at the end of the
story on the Storyberries website to help you with this thematic aspect of
your essay.) b. Consider the stylistic aspects of any parts of the story in
order to discuss at least three uses of figurative language. c. You are also
allowed to comment on some of the illustrations, but this is not strictly
necessary, and if you do comment on the illustrations, please clearly indicate
which illustration(s) you are referring to by saying which part of the text
comes before or after the picture(s) you are discussing. Ensure that the
images you select relate back to the text. (60 marks) 2. The beginning of
Kaczmarek’s story indicates that this is a “dark retelling of the famous fairy
tale, the Pied Piper of Hamelin”. There are several versions of this fairy tale,
with some famous ones being this poem by the Victorian poet, Robert
Browning, and Sir Terry Pratchett’s 4 | P a g e The Amazing Maurice and His
Educated Rodents (2001). Discuss how you might adapt the fairy tale
yourself, but in a retelling that you consider more suitable for a South
African, Intermediate Phase classroom. a. You do not have to retell or rewrite
the whole story, but you do need to consider what narrative elements you
might change in order to make it more suitable for such a group of South
African learners. You can rewrite parts of the story to illustrate what you
would change, but the main part of your response to this question needs to
be a discussion of what you would change and why you think this would
make the story more suited for such a South African classroom. For this
question, please write an essay of about 800 to 1200 words. (40 marks) 3.
Bonus! Paste a screenshot of your response to the “Book Club with a
Difference” Padlet activity at the end of your assignment for five bonus
marks. (Note that you cannot score more than 100 marks in total for this
assignment.) (5 marks) (Total: 100 marks)
Question 1: Short Essay on the Narrative and Stylistic Elements of “Don’t Laugh
in Bungelos Street” by Andrea Kaczmarek
Introduction:
“Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” by Andrea Kaczmarek is a thought-provoking and imaginative
story that presents a unique narrative, interwoven with vibrant stylistic elements that engage the
reader and provoke reflection on deeper themes of social exclusion, empathy, and the challenges
, of fitting in. Through its carefully crafted setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, and the
use of figurative language, the story conveys profound messages suitable for young readers. This
essay will delve into the narrative structure and stylistic features of the story, analyzing the
setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, theme, and figurative language, and highlighting the
role of illustrations in enhancing the narrative.
Setting:
The setting of “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” is integral to the story’s emotional impact and
its themes of social exclusion. The story takes place in a street, Bungelos Street, which is
depicted as an ordinary yet significant location. The street itself becomes symbolic of a larger
social environment, where differences, whether in appearance or behavior, are noticed, often
leading to exclusion or ridicule. The narrative's emphasis on this street as the setting reflects a
community where individuals are categorized or judged based on their conformity to societal
norms. The location is not just a physical space but an emotional one where the protagonist faces
challenges that resonate universally in human experiences.
Characterisation:
The characters in the story are vividly drawn, with each serving to illuminate key themes. The
central character, who is a child, is both the protagonist and the narrator. This character, through
their perspective, offers a unique window into the experience of being different in a community
that values sameness. The protagonist is sensitive to the reactions of others, which makes them
an empathetic character with whom young readers can easily identify. This creates a connection
between the reader and the character, making the journey of overcoming social pressures both
relatable and compelling.
Secondary characters in the story, such as the other children in the street, represent various
societal reactions to difference—ranging from curiosity to outright ridicule. These characters
play a key role in advancing the plot, acting as catalysts for the protagonist's internal and external
conflict. The author’s choice of making the children in the story act as a mirror to the
protagonist’s fears reflects how society often mirrors back our own insecurities, particularly
regarding our uniqueness.
Point of View:
The story is told from the first-person perspective of the protagonist, which allows readers to
deeply experience the emotional struggles of feeling out of place. The first-person narration
fosters empathy and understanding, as readers are able to see the events unfold through the
protagonist's eyes. This point of view also allows the author to focus on the internal conflict—the
