Two stories: “The Boarding House” by James Joyce
“A Respectable Woman” by Katherine (Kate) Chopin
How may a reader analyze a literary element common to two short stories so as to understand meaning in the stories? By writing this paper, you will answer this question and demonstrate the following skills for writing about literature:
Analyze literature for a purpose.
Distinguish digital or print materials through annotation in order to demonstrate reading and summary skills.
Identify a literary element common to two short stories.
Identify one to three examples from each story as evidence of the element.
Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies the common element, and what the paper will discuss about the stories and the element.
Write clear topic sentences for paragraphs that inform the reader what the paragraph will discuss.
Develop paragraphs that support the topic sentences.
Organize a comparison and contrast paper by presenting paragraphs logically and effectively, using one of two methods for comparison and contrast: story-by-story or idea-by-idea.
Write sentences in Standard English that clearly express ideas.
Demonstrate correct use of MLA formatting within the paper and on a Works Cited page.
Explain your writing process clearly and coherently.
In this paper, you will develop a thesis statement presenting an academic argument based upon analysis of a single literary element (plot, character, setting, etc) common to two stories; the paper will present its argument in the form/format of comparison and/or contrast of the element’s function in the two stories.
Thesis. Your thesis statement should identify both stories and the literary element.
Paragraphs of the body of the paper will focus on analyzing how each story exemplifies the common element.
development of body paragraphs that include strong topic sentences and transitions that set up comparison/contrast of the two stories and their shared literary element
development and management of signal phrases
inclusion of claims and evidence that help to develop your argument
using keywords and quotations as development techniques
Sentence Level and MLA. Your writing should be carefully proofread for sentence-level concerns. It should be formatted and documented according to MLA style in the form of parenthetical citations and a works cited page.
Reminder: Remember that your reader has read the stories and is familiar with them. An extensive summary is not useful. Rather, analyze and explain how selected passages from the two stories illustrate the common literary element and support your thesis.
Reflection: Include within the same document as the paper itself a few paragraphs (three to four) describing your writing process, including what you learned about writing.
