Write an essay[on any of the recent short stories] in which you discuss various elements of the story: [see story elements from handout]. We will continue to discuss these elements, but it would also help to look them up, come to understand them. You have several options for devising a paper: consider some of the following. Remember that a good argument/criticism [while using these methods] is always best.
Five paragraph model argument: I include this first because it is most common. My strong advice to you is to be careful to not reduce the paper to a simple, five paragraph “formula.” There are more subtle ways to write a paper. I will say, however, that the model works. I just want it to be somewhat complex. Whatever you do, be sure to write a clear INTRODUCTON, BODY, and CONCLUSION to any paper.
A “Division and Analysis” essay expresses a division of a subject [story] into several parts [scenes or sequences] to be analyzed. For example, you might want to analyze the “parts” of Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” How does the story develop? What are the major sections and how do they function as elements of plotting [exposition, inciting incident, complication, rising action, climax, etc.]? You might also analyze various other elements [metaphor/symbol, etc.]. You might even look at dichotomies, parallels with other stories or analyze single characters or actions. You might even look at the “settings” within the story [Araby, A Rose for Emily, A Good Man] and analyze them, one at a time, as functional parts of the story.
“Process” writing usually involves the separation of your subject into its component parts. It divides a continuous action into steps or stages. An effective process essay can hold a reader’s interest by helping him or her to understand how something might develop. It also gives the reader a sense of when the story will come to a completion. Many stories contain “processes” by which a character comes to understand something or an event plays out. A story often literally describe a process or change [transformation] taking place [Araby, A Good Man, Good Country People, A&P].
“Cause and effect” writing [closest form to argument] explores “causes” and asks the question Why? and must answer that question to the satisfaction of the reader. An essay might provide several reasons [causes] for why a character does what he or she does or what the effects of those behaviors/actions are [the boy in Araby, The Misfit, the Bible Salesman in Good Country People, the boy in A&P]. Perhaps the author is older now and looking back. Why couldn’t he see the truth when it was happening? What are the “effects “ of the experience on the characters, the main character?
A “Comparison/Contrast”essay demonstrates a separation of two things based on how they are either alike or different or both. A comparison/contrast paper, like the other two, also requires a very clear thesis. It is this thesis statement by which your entire argument will turn. In order to compare or contrast two things, you first need to say something about these similarities or differences. Comparison/contrast can be made in two fundamental ways: by using a “point by point” comparison, by which the subjects are discussed in relation to each other one point at a time; or by using a “side by side” comparison, by which the subjects are discussed separately, one at a time, in relation to the thesis. You might want to compare characters in a story or compare two stories. In a paper like this, you might even compare settings in a story, or symbols—. In doing so, you’ll want to address a deeper question: what does it all mean?
Consider using the methods above to design your papers. You may also choose to use a combination of two or even three of the above models if you feel your essay might benefit from this. These types of essays are referred to as “mixed methods” essays. Most essays do become mixed, even if inadvertently [unintentionally]. Yours should be intentional. Remember the class discussions, your notes, consider the themes we’ve been discussing. Lastly, consider the literary strategies and how these critics write about stories. Biographical and psychological elements are always interesting to consider when writing about these authors. Three things: UNIFY your paper [thesis], write TOPIC SENTENCES [coherence]; and use QUOTES [development]. Your essay will be 3-4 pages in length. Paper must be typed, double-spaced. It is due: Saturday, May 15. It must be in on time. Good luck!
