Write your analysis focusing on one of the following elements from one of the assigned short stories:
� Character
� Theme
� Symbolism
� Imagery
� Setting
� Point of view
In a 4-page (1,200-word) literary analysis, write an in-depth analytical
essay using your own ideas plus supporting evidence from the text, such
as quotations, paraphrases, and summaries, remembering that quoted
material should never exceed 25% of the essay.
Note: Next week you will have an opportunity to incorporate into your
essay scholarly source material that further substantiates your
argument. You may include such information in this week�s essay, but it
is not required at this point.
Start by selecting one of the short stories assigned by your instructor
this week. Brainstorm to identify a literary element in the text that
you would like to explore, such as character, theme, symbolism, imagery,
setting, or point of view. Then, develop a preliminary thesis that
offers a specific interpretation of this element.
If you have trouble coming up with a focus or thesis, contact your instructor, who will help you brainstorm.
Next, develop an introduction that states your original thesis (main
claim) and briefly describes the story and author you will be
discussing.
The body of your essay should support and defend this thesis with
specific evidence taken from the text that you discuss thoroughly and
thoughtfully. Remember that no more than 25% of the essay can consist of
direct quotations.
Your essay should end with a concluding paragraph or two, summarizing
the key points of your paper and explaining the significance of your
interpretation. When finished, the paper should be at least 1,200 words
long (approximately 4 double-spaced pages).
Apply APA rules of style to source citations as well as the overall
formatting of your essay. Be sure to include a title page and a
References page.
Use this APA Citation Helper as a convenient reference for properly citing resources.
This handout will help guide you in the details of formatting your essay using APA style.
You may create your essay in this APA-formatted template.
