Comparative analysis essay on 2 short stories. 1st short story: PDF attached 2nd short story: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/01/10/the-years-of-my-birth The topic in both stories: Culture/Identity The literary element to write about: Character – Characterization helps readers invest in a story—we care about what happens to the characters. What conflicts do they face?
How are they viewed or treated by others? What do they do and say? Do they change? How do their journeys help to illustrate the theme? ESSAY TOPIC Do NOT write about the same short story that you wrote about for Essay 1 unless you can convince me that you have a particularly insightful and compelling reason to do so.
Choose TWO of the short stories that we have read that cover the same topic. Analyze what each story says about the topic. Focus on theme and 2-3 literary elements. How is the theme developed in each story? Which literary elements are used? How do the themes, literary elements, and stories compare to each other? CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS: The length of the essay must be 1000-1200 words. Required sources: The selected short stories [primary sources].
All body paragraphs must include 2+ quotations from the stories. Optional sources: 1-2 research sources from the library, preferably the Literary Sources database Otherwise, use your own brain. Non-PSCC-library sources are NOT allowed. All quotations must be accurately integrated, punctuated, and documented per MLA style. Essay must include a Works Cited page for the source. Essay format must follow MLA guidelines.
ESSAY ORGANIZATION: Introduction: 1-2 sentences to grab readers’ attention and establish the topic 1-2 sentences to introduce the author/title and to briefly summarize the plot of story #1 1-2 sentences to introduce the author/title and to briefly summarize the plot of story #2 1 sentence to connect the two stories Thesis: Identify authors’ last names, titles, and preview of your argument Body paragraphs: Section 1: Discussion of literary element #1 (1-2 paragraphs) Topic sentence about literary element #1 (EX: characterization, setting, symbolism) and its use in the two stories.
Story #1: Explain how the literary element helps to develop the theme in story #1. Support with textual evidence [examples and quotes from the story]. Be sure to cite. OPTIONAL: Support with library research. Cite. Connect the dots: Explain how the evidence supports the assertion about the theme. Transition Story #2: Explain how the literary element helps to develop the theme in story #2. Support with textual evidence [examples and quotes from the story]. Be sure to cite. OPTIONAL: Support with library research. Cite.
Connect the dots: Explain how the evidence supports the assertion about the theme. Conclusion sentence: Wrap up discussion of literary element #1. Section 2: Discussion of literary element #2 (1-2 paragraphs) Topic sentence about literary element #2 and its use in the two stories. [See Section 1.] [IF NEEDED] Section 3: Discussion of literary element #3 (1-2 paragraphs) Topic sentence about literary element #3 and its use in the two stories. [See Section 1.] Conclusion: Recap your main points. Discuss the significance of the different treatments of the topic.
Which literary techniques are effective? Are readers likely to relate to or accept one story’s view more than the others? Consider the larger implications of your discussion. What do the authors reveal about human nature or the human condition? Do not include quotations in the conclusion. Works Cited page: Insert a page break and type the Works Cited page. Include an entry for the textbook plus a cross-reference for each story (3 entries). Include entries for any optional library sources you use.
