Instruction for Paper 1: What is the significance of the literary element (plot, setting, characterization/character, diction, theme) you have chosen as the focus for your paper? You will develop a paper that answers this question and demonstrates the following outcomes for writing and literature:
- Analyze literature for a purpose
- Distinguish digital or print materials through annotation to demonstrate reading and summary skills
- Identify a literary element–such as plot, setting, character, diction, or theme–in a short story
- Identify one to three examples in the story that support the thesis
- Write a thesis that clearly states your interpretation of the “meaning” (significance) the story based upon evidence related to the literary element you have selected to examine in the story
- Write clear topic sentences for paragraphs that let the reader know what each paragraph of the body of the paper will discuss
- Write paragraphs that explain how the examples from the story support the thesis
- Arrange a paper by presenting paragraphs in a coherent, purposeful manner
- Write sentences in standard American English that clearly express ideas
- Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting in the layout of a paper
- Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting by documenting material from the story within the paper and on a Works Cited page
- Explain in a clear and logical fashion what you have learned about your writing
Hints: Remember that your reader has read the story and is familiar with it; extensive summary is not useful. Rather, explain and analyze how “meaning” is derived from the story by the author’s implementation of a literary element. Note that the paper is to be about the story, not the author, so repeated references to the author are unnecessary and ill advised.
Special Hint about Plot: Be aware that a paper analyzing a piece of literature is NOT a plot summary. Summary, if you must have it, should provide only details necessary to identify parts of the story required to develop the paper, no longer than three to four sentences.
Reflection on your Writing Process: Following the Work Cited list of the paper, provide two or three paragraphs explaining what you are learning about the writing process. Also note two features that you would like feedback on, such as the thesis statement and topic sentences.
Word Count:
- 750 words for the paper (three pages, double-spaced); one page more or less is acceptable
- complete alphanumeric outline