Mystery vs. Confusion in narrative (managing the release of information)

Here are some readings to do on and around this topic.  With readings like this, I always try my best to present you with a variety of ways to think about a topic. Each of you may find one of these more valuable than the others.

Robert Boswell, "The Half-Known World" Download The Half-Known World" (the importance of mystery for writer and reader)

Alice Mattison, "Silence and Storytelling" Download Silence and Storytelling" from The Kite and the String (the dangers of too much confusion)

William Gibson interviewed by Joe Fassler, "The First Sentence is a Handshake" Links to an external site. (Gibson's approach to world-building)

I will bring a story to class so that we can look at it together and see how it reveals information.