1. Donald Barthelme RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

2. What—if anything—seems to make the most sense to you? The least sense? What do you think is Barthelme’s point about the value of life and death? RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Why does Barthelme have the gerbil knock at the door at the end? Postmodernism

7. M.A.D.

9. Such a “catchall” it may not have significance as a term anymore… But here are some “characteristics”: RUNDOWN The Absurd “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

10. Surreal RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

11. Art for art’s sake RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

12. Language is impotent, corrupt, dangerous, outdated RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism “What the President Will Say and Do”

13. Rise in subjectivity Art asks its consumers to take an active role in creating meaning. RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

14. Irreverence for reason RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism

15. Distrust of perfect form or perfection RUNDOWN “The School” Major Themes Cold War “Game” Postmodernism