Choose one short story from the list below:
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce
The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonegut
The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
Read through the short story you have chosen, taking notes on the author’s tone, writing style, and any figurative language they use while writing.
Identify the ending and brainstorm ideas on how you’d rather end the story, in your own way.
Taking into consideration how the author writes and the plot line of the story, write your own ending to the story.
If it helps, start with a sentence from the story itself to begin your writing.
At the top of the page, make sure to include the story’s title and author, so I know which text you’ll be working from.
Make sure your original ending is written in the similar tone, style, and figurative writing style as your chosen story’s author.
Use your personal voice, however! You don’t have to write exactly like your chosen author.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT: All drafts must be at least 4 paragraphs, containing at least 4 sentences in each paragraph.
Title: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
In Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the author establishes a lighthearted and playful tone through his use of descriptive language and satirical elements. Irving's writing style is characterized by his attention to detail and his fondness for exaggeration to create a sense of whimsy. Throughout the story, Irving employs figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to paint vivid images in the reader's mind.
The ending of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" leaves the reader with an air of mystery and uncertainty. Ichabod Crane, the protagonist, is last seen riding away from the Headless Horseman in terror, and the story implies that he is never seen again. While this is an effective ending that leaves room for interpretation, I would prefer a different conclusion.
In my version of the ending, I would reveal that Ichabod Crane ultimately manages to escape the clutches of the Headless Horseman. After a frantic and perilous chase through the dark woods, Ichabod finds himself at the edge of a rushing river. With a burst of adrenaline, he dives into the icy water, narrowly escaping the Horseman's grasp. As Ichabod emerges from the river, panting and shivering, he realizes that the Horseman has vanished into the night.
Safely back in town, Ichabod recovers from the ordeal, but he is forever changed. The experience has taught him to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and to embrace the love and kindness of those around him. Ichabod continues his career as a schoolteacher, but he becomes a more compassionate and understanding figure in the community.
While my ending maintains the lighthearted and playful tone established by Irving, it also offers a sense of closure and redemption for the protagonist. Ichabod's escape from the Horseman's clutches symbolizes his triumph over his own fears and insecurities. By surviving the encounter, he learns the importance of inner strength and resilience.
In conclusion, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving is a captivating tale that combines humor, fear, and imagination. The original ending leaves the reader with an unsettling sense of uncertainty, but my alternate ending provides closure and transformation for the protagonist. It builds upon the author's tone, writing style, and use of figurative language to offer a satisfying resolution to the story.