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Interpretive Fiction EssayTHE ASSIGNMENT: For your first essay assignment, I want each of you to present and support a theme for any one of the four short stories we are covering in class. Yes, the theme may be the same one arrived at in the Worksheet assignment. The challenge is to show a complete enough understanding of the theme and the devices so as to write a coherent essay teaching those things to someone who is familiar with the story but who does not understand what lesson it tries to teach. Writing for this audience means you do not have to retell the story; you can concentrate on explaining the key devices and the theme they reveal. Note the sample essay available to you in a link at the bottom of these instructions! You will choose either “Cathedral,” “Everyday Use,” “Sonny’s Blues,” or “Greasy Lake.” Your paper will follow a basic three-part essay format of introduction, multiple-paragraph main body, and conclusion. It should include these steps: 1. In your introductory paragraph, begin by stating which work you have chosen, and its author. But please do not say anything like “The work I choose is . . .” That is not how experienced writers begin. Instead, begin something like this: “In “Cathedral,” Raymond Carver writes a story which deals with . . .” and then state what you feel is the central issue of the story. This will also announce which story you are dealing with. 2. Next, tell what theme you think this issue implies. This theme should enable you to explain the actions and apparent fate of the protagonist. Be sure and state the theme in such a way that it can also apply to others (like ourselves) who might find ourselves in similar circumstances. 3. Still within your introductory paragraph, as a preview of the main body paragraphs, list three or four literary devices which you will use to support this theme. The three key devices to choose are almost always some specific type(s) of social conflict, then inner conflict, ending finally with the presence or absence of character change. You must include the device of character change (no matter whether the character is dynamic or static) as one of these. Most "A" level papers I see do indeed focus on the preceding list of devices. I suggest you do the same. 4. In the main body of your paper, deal with each device separately in its own section of one paragraph. Each body paragraph should feature at least one quotation from the story to illustrate whatever you are saying about that device; preferably, discuss two or three quotations. Be sure and explain exactly how the quotes illustrate your points; do not assume that their connection is self-evident; this is called warranting your point. For more instruction on how to use direct quotes, see the link at the bottom of these instructions. 5. In a concluding paragraph, try to summarize the specific connections among the devices (example: how some social conflict causes inner conflict which in turn causes an opportunity for character change). Lastly, repeat the theme, explaining how it follows from your analysis of these devices. For more instruction on the outline for your paper, again see the appropriate link at the bottom of these instructions. The finished document should be a minimum of 1000 words, keeping in mind that generally, “A” level papers are longer, perhaps 1200 words or more. Please follow this format:
WRITING AIDS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:
DUE DATE: The due date is posted in two places: In the Assignments Calendar, and in the essay assignment within Blackboard. Note that while this link (the one you are reading) is accessible anytime, the assignment can only be submitted during the dates when it is open within Blackboard. |
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mjordan@odessa.eduwork: 432.335.6549surface mail c/o Odessa College, 201 W. University, Odessa TX 79764 |
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