Revised response based on Act I and checklist given today due tomorrow in class.

For reading response questions, see yesterday's post.

Here is the checklist and sample response:

1. Focused on a clear claim or interpretation.

2. Included direct evidence that is relevant and persuasive.

3. Connected ideas using transitional words and phrases (uses prompts to push thinking if necessary).

4. Included name, date, and question at the top of the page.

5. 200-250 words

Jessica Candlin

Sept. 12, 2013

What is the significance of setting in The Laramie Project?

One reason the setting is significant is because it illuminates the economy and class tensions within Laramie. This first emerges when Sgt. Hing describes how Laramie was important because of the railroad, “Laramie was a major stopping point,” he says. Clearly, he wants to communicate Laramie's importance outside of the murder. However, Sgt. Hing’s reference to the railroad also implies that Laramie is no longer “a major stopping point” (21) since the railroad is also a symbol of outdated industry. The idea that Laramie has suffered because of a change in industry is strengthened when Alison Mears describes the economy, “I’ll tell you, Wyoming is bad in terms of jobs....well the bulk of people are working minimum wage jobs” (29), an indication that there is a somewhat depressed economy in Laramie where the locals are distinguished from the University population with “the big high whoop de whoop jobs.” The phrase “whoop de whoop” suggests that Alison believes these jobs are elite and unattainable to the residents of Laramie. Her tone in this instance could be read as bitter or envious. This makes me think that there may be some underlying class tension in Laramie and I wonder if this contributed in any way to the murder.