This assignment is a 4- to 5-page analysis of one of the short stories discussed in class. You will have the opportunity to focus on an approach to a short story that most interests you and should consider writing on the same story that you chose for your explication.

You could examine character development, theme, symbolism, and plot development, or you might want to use one of the critical approaches mentioned in Chapter 51 of your text (Chapter 45 in the 10th ed.). While you are not required to do research for this assignment, you are strongly encouraged to do so. I would also like to encourage you to incorporate comments from your fellow students into your analysis. If you do use researched information, be sure to use the MLA format (covered in your textbook) to cite your sources. You should also use the MLA format for all direct quotes from the story. We will also review MLA format in class.

Remember, your essay should not be a long paraphrase of the plot. Rather, in this essay you are giving your analytical reading of this story, so you should provide only a brief plot summary and then use direct quotes to emphasize particular aspects of the story that are important to the development of your thesis.

Review the following pages in the anthology for further information on writing about fiction: 46-65 and 1663-93 (57-76 and .2049-2082 in the 10th ed.). Also, be sure to review the Sample Papers link on in the Study Tools section of the website. Please note: You must create you’re an original thesis. Slight revision of the sample essays will not be an acceptable approach to your own paper.