Handsomest Drowned Man Focused Questions: 1. Remember that Magic Realism stories have elements of magic, but there are parts that are also very realistic.
What are some examples of magic in the story? What parts of the story are realistic?
2. In literature, and in life, conflict occurs when 2 forces contradict each other. Conflict can be external (a
human vs. another human, a human vs. society, humans vs. nature, etc.) or internal (an ethical or moral
struggle within one person's mind). What is the central conflict in the story? Explain your answer.
3. In literature, the protagonist is the character who changes most due to the events of the story. Often, but
not always, the protagonist is the main character or narrator. (For the record, you are the protagonist in your
own life's story.) Who is the protagonist of "Handsomest Drowned Man in the World"? Explain your answer.
4. In literature, the antagonist is the character (or any external force) that challenges and ultimately forces
change on the protagonist. Often, but not always, the antagonist is the "bad guy" (As an interesting side
project, think about the main antagonist in your life!) Who is the antagonist in "Handsomest Drowned Man
in the World"? Explain your answer.
5. Authors use literary devices to make an impact on the reader. Find ONE of the following literary devices in
the story: metaphor, simile, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, paradox, alliteration, irony,
symbolism, motif. Copy the sentence or phrase,
6. Now, explain why you think the author chose to use this literary device. What impact did this device have
on you, as the reader?