Essay #2: Fiction Comparative Analysis
First publish Conferences — March 6-10
For this essay assignment, you’ll select one story from those we have discussed in class during this unit, and compare it critically to another story of your choosing:
Column A (pick one)
Chopin, “The Story of an Hour” (582)
Saunders, “Puppy” (188)
Nutting, “Model’s Assistant” (238)
Russell, “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised By Wolves” (263)
Column B (pick one)
Hemingway, “Hills Like White Elephants” (699)
Sedaris, “Jesus Shaves” (490)
Marquez, “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings” (428)
O’Connor, “A Good Man is Hard to Find”(498)
Wallace, “Good People” (232)
While a brief discussion of each story’s plot is relevant and necessary, the main focus of your comparison should focus upon two things:
the stories’ thematic commentaries and the relationship between the two
formal elements, such as setting, tone/tension, characterization, narrative POV, etc.
Planning
A suggested outline:
Intro paragraph:
First, engage your audience in a way that will make them interested in your topic and set the tone for what is to come; avoid over-generalization and vague rhetorical questions.
Second, connect your opening remarks to the topic and purpose of your essay (ie. the comparison of your chosen stories).
Finally, establish a thesis that makes clear the thematic relationship that will be discussed throughout the essay.
Do not use any version of the phrase “This essay will” or “The assignment is to” or “In this essay, I will” to accomplish this.
Summary:
No more than two paragraphs that capture the general settings and plots of the two stories being compared.
Paraphrase major passages, quote supportively, and rephrase the stories’ content without bias or judgement
Analysis:
At least one paragraph should discuss the thematic relationships between the stories — ie. the “under the surface” forces and systems at play in the story and how they intersect and diverge from each other in interesting ways.
At least one other paragraph should discuss one other literary device and its unique or similar deployment or effect in the stories.
Show a couple of examples of each instance you identify, discuss how they work to convey the stories’ meanings.
Be sure to utilize quotes and effective paraphrase from supportive textual moments. Don’t be too general, but not too specific, either – think carefully and economically about the details you cite.
Conclusion:
A final word on the overall relationship between the stories.
Begin by recapturing (not restating or repeating) your thesis, and try to connect back to the thoughts you opened the essay with in your intro
Specifics
The following criteria must be met in order to receive a score:
• Essays should be at least three typed pages
• MLA style documentation and work cited page is required
• No outside sources beyond the two chosen texts are to be used in this essay