Analyzing Themes and Literary Elements in Fictional Short Stories

In this essay, you will explore the thematic aspects and literary elements of selected Fictional Short Stories from the course. The essay should be a minimum of 500 words and is worth 50 points.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 500 words
  • Adherence to MLA formatting guidelines (12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, one-inch margins, etc.)
  • A unique, relevant title reflecting the essay’s content
  • Submission in PDF or Word file format (.doc or .docx)

Instructions:

Your essay should include the following:

  • Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction to the selected Fictional Short Stories and their themes or major ideas.
  • Thematic Analysis: Analyze each story’s theme or major idea, discussing how the authors employ literary elements such as plot, characterization, setting, symbolism, and conflict to convey the themes.
  • Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast the thematic interpretations across the selected stories, identifying commonalities and differences in how the authors approach and develop their respective themes.
  • Conclusion: Conclude the essay by summarizing your findings and offering your overall assessment of how effectively the selected stories convey their themes and employ literary craftsmanship.

Additional Guidelines:

  • Read and analyze each selected story carefully, paying attention to its themes and literary elements.
  • Take notes, underline key passages, and annotate the texts to support your analysis.
  • Ensure that your thesis statement focuses on the stories themselves, not just the subject matter they explore.
  • Support your analysis with specific examples and quotations from the stories, providing detailed explanations and interpretations.
  • Avoid summarizing the stories extensively; instead, focus on analyzing and interpreting their thematic elements.
  • Stick to the MLA format guidelines for citation if you refer to specific passages or quote directly from the stories.
  • No additional research sources are required, but include a Works Cited page if you consult any external sources.

Proofreading and Grading Criteria:

  • What does the essay do especially well?
  • Does the title effectively reflect the content of the essay? How could it be improved?
  • Does the introduction provide a concise overview of the selected Fictional Short Stories and their themes?
  • Are the thematic analysis, and examination of literary elements, thorough and insightful?
  • Does the essay present a coherent comparison and contrast of the thematic interpretations across the selected stories?
  • Does the essay summarize necessary parts of the short stories, and use quotations to prove the analysis is accurate?
  • Is the essay well-organized, with logical transitions between paragraphs?
  • Is the tone of the essay appropriate for an academic assignment? Does it avoid unnecessary first- and second-person phrasing (I, You, We)?
  • Is the essay free of grammatical and minor errors?
  • What revisions would strengthen this essay the most?

 

Selected Fictional Short Stories:

  1. Kate Chopin, “The Story of an Hour” (1894)
  2. O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905)
  3. James Thurber, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (1939)
  4. Eudora Welty, “A Worn Path” (1941)
  5. Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery” (1948)
  6. James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” (1957)
  7. Langston Hughes, “Thank You, Ma’am” (1958)
  8. Grace Paley, “A Conversation with My Father” (1972)
  9. Alice Walker, “Everyday Use” (1973)
  10. Andy Weir, “The Egg” (2009)