Fiction Essay

From one of the topics below, compose an analytical essay using primary and secondary sources.

The essay must be MLA styled and 4-6 pages (1000-1500 words).

Your audience members have read the stories in this module, so do not summarize the plot.

Your essay must follow the standard academic form: introduction with a “hook” and a specific thesis statement, body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a conclusion that offers final thoughts. Your title cannot be the same as the title of the story. The CGTC Rubric is used to assess this essay.

Primary source(s): You must cite the literature using MLA styling. Literature entries must appear on the Works Cited page. In-text parenthetical citations must be properly used in the body of the essay.

Secondary sources (Research): 3-5 sources from GALILEO and/or a reputable research source from the library (Google searches, Wikipedia, Schmoop, Cliffs Notes, etc. are not reputable sources). Additionally, the course textbook includes literary criticism for several stories. Research may not be limited to the story/stories you choose, rather it can focus on how the author uses a specific theme or literary device in his/her larger body of work. Literary criticism entries must appear on the Works Cited page. In-text parenthetical citations must be properly used in the body of the essay.

You are required to use secondary source research for this essay, however, do not use biographical information about the author.

Essays that contain more than 20% of secondary source material will earn a failing grade. Review the course syllabus for plagiarism reminders and policies.

Topics:

Choose two stories and analyze their common theme. Choose two specific literary devices used in the stories and analyze how the authors have utilized those devices to explore the common theme.
Select one poem from the poetry folder and one story from this folder and write an essay of comparison. Focus your thesis on the similarities between the two specific works.
Analyze one story from our list by focusing on a specific form of literary criticism (refer to the Literary Criticism PDF). Remember, you cannot criticize the author for failing to meet modern-day standards or expectations. Instead, this topic requires you to focus on how the story is a criticism or exploration of history, psychology, patriarchy, etc.
Explore the conflict, climax, and resolution of one story and how one or two main characters are affected by these elements. In order to avoid plot summary, you should consider the larger ramifications that the conflict, climax, and resolution have on the character(s).