What to Expect for the First Essay

In the first essay you write in class, you will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• ability to compose an engaging, intelligent introduction, in which you clear identify the work(s) that will be the focus of your discussion
• definite thesis statement
• clear transitions
• adequate, specific examples that are related and explained from the work(s) which support your thesis
• an analysis of a literary element in a short story--or two; NOT a story summary
• a conclusion that brings the paper to a graceful close and leaves a positive impression on the reader
• length: a minimum of two and a half pages, typed, double-space
• NO use of first or second person in the essay

EXAMPLE:

Setting is an important literary element, often over-looked, though directly related to the characters and plot of a story. In what way does setting play a significant role in the action of William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" and Andre Dubus's "Killings"?

Characters are often revealed by direct characterization (telling), but more often by indirect characterization (showing). Provided examples from both  William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" and Andre Dubus's "Killings" that illustrate each type of characterization.

In many simplistic stories, characters have little depth; the main character is either "good" or "bad" and his/her actions make it easy for the reader to empathize with him. However, in both William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" and Andre Dubus's "Killings," the protagonist is a murderer, yet the reader has a difficult time disliking Miss Emily or Matt Fowler. How does each author succeed in making his character sympathetic to the reader?

Symbols are important to many stories, often used to emphasize another element of the story, including character. Explain how Faulkner uses Miss Emily Grierson's house as a symbol for its occupant and how Andre Dubus uses eyes in his revelation of character in "Killings."


IN PLANNING THE ESSAY:

• choose the topic you can best support, not the one you like the best
• jot down ideas; review the story; re-read sections that will help you; make note of those
• find concrete, specific examples; DO NOT BE VAGUE!!
• understand that in the first paragraph, you may need to elaborate on the literary term, before going into the story
• the first time the author's name is used, refer to him/her by her complete name; afterwards, use only the last name.
• refer to characters as they are in the story; (example: "Miss Emily")