Evaluation of New York Times Stories

stratopaul, "David-Bowie-New-England-Music-News" 10/17/2007 via flickr.com
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David Bowie Dies at 69; Star Transcended Music, Art and Fashion

We all remember David Bowie as one of our heros. From his song "Heros" to his persona as Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie provide inspiration and gave confidence to millions of outsiders and misfits. His collaboration with a multitude of genres has earned the admiration of ballet and broadway singers alike. His death earlier this month caused a lot of sorrow in the music community, however, he will continue to live on in our hearts and in tributes.

•  Does there seem to be a "main character" or "protagonist" to the story? If so, who is it and how are they are the "center" of the story? If not, are there any important or central characters in the story at all? What role do they play?

• There is no true "protagonist" in this story, however, the main focus is definitely attributed to David Bowie and his accomplishments. In this feature, David Bowie functions as a great hero that should be remembered not for his death of cancer, but for his awe-inspiring life and music. 

• Where do the specific events in the story take place? Is there a specific setting? Describe the settings for the stories and how they influence the plot and characters.

• This article does not contain a singular story that occurs at one time, on the contrary, it consists of many stories that occurred at many instances in the past. For example, the article discusses his role in Lazarus, which happened after his 1976 movie "The Man Who Fell From Earth". Right after, it discusses his album from 1971, that debuted his song "Changes".

•  Is there any kind of disagreement or debate happening in the story? If so, who is participating, why are people debating and what seems to be at stake for the different characters in the story?

• There doesn't seem to be any argument in the story, just remembering the life of an amazing musician, leader, and agent of change.

Couperus, Jitze "Pygmies of the Ituri Forest" 08/11/2011 via flickr.com
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Deforestation Threatens Pygmies, Study Finds

The Pygmies are a population in Central Africa that have been persecuted for many generations. They are also believed to be the oldest population in Africa. Unfortunately, there is very little information and data on the Pygmies. We do know, however, that the deforestation of the African continent is not only segmenting their communities, but also effecting their way of life.

• Does there seem to be a "main character" or "protagonist" to the story? If so, who is it and how are they are the "center" of the story? If not, are there any important or central characters in the story at all? What role do they play?

• The main characters in this story are the Pygmy population, who are unfortunately victims of rampant deforestation. The deforestation puts the Pygmies in a situation where they cannot follow their hunter/gatherer way of life.

• Where do the specific events in the story take place? Is there a specific setting? Describe the settings for the stories and how they influence the plot and characters.

• This story takes place in Central Africa, more specifically around the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the time period is not very specific, more like the past few thousands of years. The persecution of the Pygmies is effected by the area; the Democratic of the Congo is especially known for it's extreme prejudices.

• Is there any kind of disagreement or debate happening in the story? If so, who is participating, why are people debating and what seems to be at stake for the different characters in the story?

• The Pygmies don't want their communities deforested or to be persecuted by the communities around them, yet these continue to be issues. The communities that are deforesting clearly have motive, most likely for profit, but is the happiness of the Pygmies worth less than the profits of everyone else?