Essay 3 questions

Answer one question only.  You may write on one or a combination of texts, and you are encouraged to incorporate discussion of other texts if and as needed.  Try to make your responses text-based (your primary evidence is likely to come from close textual analysis).  There is a required research element in your response (so you are encouraged to explore and demonstrate some knowledge of prevailing criticism), but the essay should also be individual and personal in approach, offering your perspective of the text, and demonstrating your understanding and appreciation.

To be eligible for full points on this paper you must submit all elements in the drafting process —each missed element will reduce your final grade by 10 points.

Aim for a 4-5 (minimum) page paper, double spaced, single sided (minimum acceptable paper is 4 full pages—anything less will earn a failing grade).  Use Times New Roman 12 as your font of choice, and MLA style documentation (due as an electronic submission in Turnitin (min. four pages) by 8 pm on the final day of classes (before exams begin).  There is no required draft submission for this assignment, but I encourage you to show me a draft version, or use the Writing Center.  As a general guideline you should aim for no more than a low, green indicator in Turnitin—i.e. less than a fifth (20%) of your paper ought to be quotation. 

There must be a supporting research element from the databases (minimum four sources) or library in any of the following questions. (You may not use the general web/Yahoo/Google for this assignment.)

 

• Select between 12-15 lines from a single short story and explain how it is representative of broader story themes and elements. (do not analyze the excerpt line by line) .
• Focusing on two texts of your choice, explore and explain how they share similar themes, techniques or effects.
• Examine the Scapegoat theme in Ursula Le Guin's "The ones who walk away from Omelas," and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."  Explain the authors' intentions and discuss how well they achieve their aims.
• In "A&P" explain Sammy's act of rebellion, and discuss the relationship between his attitude/point of view throughout the story and the surprising end of the encounter.
• Discuss Chopin's treatment of women in "The Storm," and "Story of an Hour" within the context of her culture and period.

You must show an error free ability to incorporate primary and secondary sources in this essay, and show proficiency in writing and documentation to pass.