English 102 – Spring 2021Instructor: Jim Nevius
Critical Reading and Critical Thinking
Write an essay of 600 – 700 words that clearly analyzes one of the following short stories. Emphasis is to be placed on analyzing the story. This is not to be a synopsis of the story. I know these stories, and I do not need a retelling of them. Follow the examples demonstrated in class.
Objective
The objective of this essay is for the student to show the ability to take a story, which upon initial examination may seem straightforward and simple, and utilizing a close, critical reading reveal a deeper meaning. The best approach is to follow the pattern demonstrated in class. Find the theme found upon examination of the story in whole. Students should then be able to demonstrate, by using passages from the story, how the author expresses that theme or idea. Once a theme is discovered, pull on that thread to unravel the writer’s intent throughout the story. As stated in class, writers use words and ideas carefully, and most every part of a short story should be explainable in light of your theme. Remember that the theme is not a moral found within the story. Morals apply to practical advice as to how to live our lives. A theme is the meaning released by the work when its entirety is taken into account. Themes usually deal with the human condition. As discussed in class, writing does not have to be frightening or difficult. Follow the model demonstrated in class. Additionally, this essay will require usage of MLA style and documentation. All students will have at least one works cited entry for the story site.
Short Stories
Students will select one of the following stories and write a 600 – 700 word analysis. Each of these stories is found online. Simply do a Google search for the story of your choice.
“The Lottery” (1948) – Shirly Jackson
“Desiree’s Baby” (1893) – Kate Chopin
“Thank you, Ma’am” (1958) – Langston Hughes “Harrison Bergeron” (1961) – Kurt Vonnegut
“The Monkey’s Paw” (1902) – W.W. Jacobs
“The Lady or the Tiger” (1882) – Frank Stockton
Requirements
Sources: Your essay may not require additional sources other than the source you find your story from. However, if you find information from another source and borrow ideas, then you must acknowledge that with an in-text citation. If outside sources are used, don’t merely string together information from them. Synthesize your own ideas, knowledge, and conclusions into the outside sources you wish to use to help illustrate the point you wish to make. Do not use web sites like Wikipedia, Ask.com, or Yahoo Answers. Source material should contribute something to your paper that you cannot: specific facts, clarification or emphasis of a point, a voice with authority in a specific area, or illustration of the controversy or complexity around your concept.
• Use a combination of summary, paraphrase, and direct quotes.
• A proper analysis will require you to quote from the story. You will have to show the author’s words to demonstrate your main points. Most quotes should be no more than a single sentence in length. Anything longer than this should be summarized in your own voice.
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Format: Your final draft should be 600-700 words, at least five paragraphs long, typed, double-spaced, carefully proofread, and formatted in MLA style. Follow the sample format found on page 588 of The Norton Field Guide to Writing, and include in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Thesis: Your essay must have an explicit thesis statement and precise topic sentences. The thesis should let the reader know how the writer intends to analyze the short story.
Grading Criteria
Your essay will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Clear and focused thesis statement.
• Effective usage of relevant passages from the story to demonstrate the author’s ideas or intent.
• Proper use, citation, and documentation of source material using MLA format.
• Effective essay organization to create a clear line of reasoning.
• Clear and precise sentence-level rhetoric (grammar and style).
