Do some research on what historical contexts inform Lessing’s and Rushdie’s short stories? When were they written? What cultural myths do they use? Where were they published? Who do you think read them? Who are the authors? Once you summarize this information, hypothesize about what kind of messages you see the stories transmitting to their audiences. (Lessing, “To Room Nineteen” and Rushdie, “The Firebird” discussion in class)