Essay

ENG 130        SHORT STORY EXAM & ESSAY          Name: ______________

                                      

Part II:  Essay

 

*See the Essay Instructions found in Unit 2

and the Essay Grading checklist in our syllabus*

 

Choose one essay topic and develop an original, arguable thesis statement to start your essay:

 

1.    
Theme: Many of the works we have read in class explore the theme of isolation,

loneliness, or alienation.  Choose three of the stories we’ve read and interpret this theme. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

 

2.    
Setting: The setting often sets the stage for the story and is used to create

atmosphere and mood. Choose three stories we’ve read and analyze the writers’ use of setting. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

 

3.    
Symbolism: Writers of short stories often rely on symbolism as a way to develop the

plot or further the theme.  Select three works and examine the writers’ use of symbolism. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

 

ESSAY GRADE

Format:

On time                                                                                  
1

Correct length                                                                                     1

*MLA format             
                                                                                1

Instructions followed                                                               1

Style:

Correct grammar, syntax, punctuation                                    1

Formal language                                                                      1

Logical organization of paragraphs                                         1

Ideas developed without repetition                                          1

Content:

Original, arguable thesis statement                                          3

Use of examples from text to support thesis                            3

Use of examples from text to interpret
(not summarize)
              3

Analysis of components of literature
(see course outcomes)
         3

TOTAL:                                                                                 20

Points: 20: 100 19: 95 18: 90…

*MLA information is in our book, online at MyLiteratureLab
(Resources-Research)
and on Course Information page.

 

The short stories used are:

Araby. 
Joyce, James.
  

The Story of an Hour. 
Chopin, Kate.
 

 

 Salvation. 
Hughes, Langston.