Essay #2 Prompt: Literary Analysis

Overview:

For this essay, you are being asked to put forth an argument about the message of one of our assigned short stories, “The Story of an Hour,” “The Lottery,” or “Mericans.” This essay should be 4-5 pages long and in MLA format.

DUE SUNDAY 10/14 @11:59pm, submitted via Canvas

Examples:

Successful essays will present a unique, debatable, and supported interpretation of the short story. You will identify what you think the author is telling us in the story and use quotes to support your argument. Feel free to choose and write on the theme that you are most comfortable discussing but remember to put forth a debatable interpretation of the story, one that requires interesting, textual analysis as proof. The purpose of this essay is to show your own critical thinking; I am not interested in reading a repackaging of others’ ideas that are already presented online or in other forums.

Outline:

Introduction

-Introduce your topic

-Identify the author and story

-Summarize the short story by providing a general description of the plot

-Present an identifiable thesis statement which indicates what you will be writing about

Supporting Paragraphs

-Focus your paragraph on a specific supporting point

-Identify a quote that supports your thesis

–Explain how your quote supports your thesis statement.

Conclusion

-Add relevance to your writing in any way you see fit. Be original and insightful.

Rubric

Essay Rubric (1)

Essay Rubric (1)

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Conclusion ParagraphsAddresses the prompt clearly; responds effectively to all aspects of the task; has a clearly stated thesis		5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody Paragraphs, Quotes, AnalysisExplores the topic thoughtfully and in-depth with effective, fully explained examples; meets or exceeds page requirements		5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFocus, OrganizationOverall structure is clear and logical; has an effective introduction; focused paragraphs with effective topic sentences; effective transitions		5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics, MLADisplays an effective style marked by sentence variety, accurate use of college-level vocabulary; generally free from copy-editing errors. No typographical errors Correct MLA documentation and page set-up. Accurately and effectively uses direct quotations and/or paraphrase		5.0 pts
Total Points: 20.0

Story is attached.