1.Choose a fictional piece of literature from the list below only:
“In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway
“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
“The Black Ball” by Ralph Ellison
“Why, You Reckon?” by Langston Hughes
“Mending Wall” by Robert Frost
Read your chosen work of literature, taking notes on the parts that stand out to you the most.
Are the characters particularly noticeable? Is the setting important to the story? Does the dialogue play a major role in developing the plot?
While taking notes, you should be thinking about a potential thesis. What can you say about this text that will grab a reader’s attention or interest?
Create a thesis statement that explains your interpretation of the work you chose.
Remember, a thesis is the main idea of your essay. It’s basically outlining your essay in a sentence. It tells the reader of your essay, what you will be discussing and analyzing within the text.
Are you going to discuss the characters? The setting? The plot development? A specific theme? What about that aspect will you be focusing on specifically?
Think About: WHAT are you talking about? SO WHAT about it?
Example of a thesis statement: Through the characters in “A Mother in Mannville,” the author illustrates how a person’s own interpretations can prevent him or her from seeing someone else’s true needs—even someone for whom he or she cares deeply.
Select 3 direct quotations, from your chosen text, to help support your thesis statement.
These should be able to not only be explained in your own words but also be connected back to your thesis.
Think About: What do these 3 quotations have to do with your analysis of this text?
*Not necessary, but helpful!* Draft up an outline of how your essay will be organized.
Your essay must include an introduction paragraph, 1 body paragraph with 3 pieces of your strongest evidence, and a conclusion paragraph. This is the minimum requirement.
If you think it would be easier for you to write 3 body paragraphs, do that! As long as you have 3 pieces of evidence included in your body paragraph(s), you are good!
Think about: What will those paragraphs include?
Use this outline to help you organize your essay and thoughts:
Write your essay, in proper essay format.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT: An introduction paragraph, 1 body paragraph with 3 pieces of evidence, and a conclusion paragraph.
Be sure to indent the paragraphs, use correct grammar and punctuation, and read it over a couple of times to check for any corrections that might need to be made.
Include the correct citations, both in text and your Works Cited. If you are unsure how to do citations, refer to the link at the bottom of this document.
Include your Check My Work link now, if you think you will forget to do it for the final!
Your essay must include an introduction paragraph, 1 body paragraph with 3 pieces of evidence, and a conclusion paragraph. This is the minimum requirement.
Thesis statement: In "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the author uses the setting and dialogue to reveal the protagonist's longing for fulfillment and the limitations imposed on her by society.
Quotations:
1. "On the foothill ranches across the Salinas River, the yellow stubble fields seemed to be bathed in pale cold sunshine, but there was no sunshine in the valley now in December" - This quote highlights the importance of the setting in the story, as the lack of sunshine mirrors the protagonist's feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
2. "Elisa stood in front of the wire fence watching the slow progress of the caravan. Her hand went out toward them hesitantly" - This quotation shows the protagonist's longing for something beyond her current life, as she is drawn to the traveling caravan and reaches out to it.
3. "She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly—like an old woman" - This quote illustrates the limitations placed on the protagonist by society, as she tries to hide her vulnerability and emotions, conforming to the societal expectations of women during that time.
Outline:
I. Introduction
A. Brief overview of "The Chrysanthemums"
B. Thesis statement: In "The Chrysanthemums," the author uses the setting and dialogue to reveal the protagonist's longing for fulfillment and the limitations imposed on her by society.
II. Setting as a reflection of the protagonist's emotions
A. Description of the valley in December
B. Contrast between the yellow stubble fields and the protagonist's sense of emptiness
C. Analysis of how the setting mirrors the protagonist's feelings
III. Dialogue depicting the protagonist's longing
A. Elisa's interaction with the traveling caravan
B. Analysis of her reaching out to the caravan and the significance of this action
C. Discussion of how the dialogue portrays the protagonist's desire for something beyond her current life
IV. Societal limitations on the protagonist
A. Elisa's attempt to hide her emotions
B. Analysis of her crying weakly and comparing herself to an old woman
C. Examination of the societal expectations placed on women during that time and their impact on the protagonist
V. Conclusion
A. Restatement of thesis
B. Summary of main points
C. Overall analysis of the story and its themes