What is the central conflict of the story, and does it produce a static or dynamic central character (protagonist)?

ESSAY: This essay will require analysis. Don’t retell the story; assume your reader has read it. You should have a thesis statement (statement of the controlling idea, or main point of your paper). You will need to use examples from the story to support your analysis. The references you make to the story (quotes, paraphrases, etc.) will need to be cited and documented. Your paper should be at least 3 pages double spaced. It should be formatted in MLA format with a Works Cited page that includes the story. At least ONE outside source is required for this essay.

 

Choose either to focus on point of view, character, or setting.

 

Analysis of point of view should focus on why the author has chosen this particular point of view, and how this choice adds in the revelation of other elements in the story. A thesis statement for an analysis of point of view should identify the specific point of view used in the story. Two or more secondary elements should be considered as well.

 

Analysis of character should address the character and conflict in the story. What is the central conflict of the story, and does it produce a static or dynamic central character (protagonist)? To answer this question, you will need to describe the central character at the beginning of the story and then at the end. Focus on one beginning key trait or value, and show how that trait or value motivates the character’s actions. Identify the beginning and ending key traits directly in the body of your analysis. Identify the character directly as static or dynamic in the body of your analysis. If the character is dynamic, trace the development of the change that occurs. Specify the point at which the dynamic change occurs and the nature of the change. If the central character is static, show how the character, despite the central conflict and its outcome, could be motivated to continue without change. For your argument, use solid evidence from the end of the story, at or after the climax you identify.

 

Also include a detailed discussion of conflict in the story. What general type of central conflict is used? Is it internal or external? What specific forces are at odds? Identify the central conflict directly as ___ vs. ___. Show how the conflict is developed and resolved. Identify the climax of the story directly and specifically, not as some general point in the story. Indicate other specific points on the plot line, such as the potential situation and inciting incident. What effect does the outcome have on the protagonist?

 

Analysis of setting should address the setting in relation to character and conflict in that story. How does the setting work to reveal or influence character and to suggest or cause conflict? Be sure to consider all aspects of setting, not just physical time and place. These aspects could include era, season, weather, environment, symbolic quality, etc.

 

Identify directly the time and place of the setting. Identify directly the central character. Identify the beginning and ending key traits directly in the body of your analysis. Identify the character directly as static or dynamic in the body of your analysis, and give evidence from the climax or after the climax of the story. Include a detailed discussion of conflict in the story. What general type of central conflict is used? Is it internal or external? What specific forces are at odds? Identify the central conflict directly as ___ vs. ___. Show how the conflict is developed and resolved. Identify the climax of the story directly.

 

The story you choose is your primary source. You must also use at least one secondary source and MLA documentation in your analysis. In other words, YOU MUST DO RESEARCH to aid you in writing this assignment, and you must use proper MLA documentation that accurately credits your sources.

 

For this assignment, a secondary source is one that discusses or analyzes your chosen story. Many academic journals contain articles that discuss short stories. You MUST get your secondary source(s) from the library databases (such as Gale Literary Databases, Academic Search Complete, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library).

 

Secondary sources such as Cliff’s Notes, SparkNotes, enotes.com, bookrags.com, 123helpme.com, Wiki anything, and exampleessays.com ARE UNACCEPTABLE. Your secondary source must come from an academic journal or published book.

 

Your essay should be written in third person (for example: “One may interpret” or “The reader may realize”). You are NOT allowed to use first person (“I believe”) or second person (“You may think”).

 

Whether you are dealing with fiction, poetry, or nonfiction literature, use the present tense (also called the literary present tense) to discuss the actions and thoughts presented in the text. Do this because literature exists as a present phenomenon regardless of whether or not its author is alive.

 

Length of Essay:                    750-900 words

 

Quotations:                             3 to 5 – not more than 15-20% of your paper (turnitin shows %)

 

You must quote at least ONCE from EACH primary source.

 

You must quote at least ONCE from ONE secondary source