Assignment Thesis Statement Practice Journal Activity

Assignment Thesis Statement Practicejournal Activityassignment Overvi

Assignment Thesis Statement Practice: First, review these guides to thesis statements in literary analysis essays: · From UTA: Libguide on thesis statementsLinks to an external site. · LibreText: Thesis statement guideLinks to an external site. Then, think about the stories we read in Module 2 ("A&P", "Boys and Girls", and "The Lesson"), and choose one story to focus on. Now, consider these questions: · How does the story define or depict what it means to grow up? · According to the story, what character trait or life lesson is essential to have in order to be an adult ? Write a thesis statement over the chosen story. Be sure it: · Is one or two sentences long · Meets the criteria for a thesis statement · Includes the name of the story's author and title You should avoid: · Copy / pasting from other submissions · Writing a summary of the story · Conversational language (you, I, etc.) Guidelines Use academic writing conventions, and proofread before submitting.

For journal entries, always copy and paste text into the journal entry (do not attach files; do not write in the comments box). Don't consult any outside sources. If you'd like to quote an article, be sure to include an MLA-style citation. All quotes should be in quotation marks (see MLA Help in Resources area for advice on this).

Paper For Above instruction

The short story "A&P" by John Updike offers a compelling exploration of the transition from adolescence to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's principles as a defining trait of maturity. Updike depicts Sammy, the protagonist, who begins to understand that growing up involves more than physical age—it requires moral courage and integrity. In the story, Sammy's decision to confront the manager and defend the girls from societal judgment exemplifies how taking a stand for personal values is an essential life lesson for becoming an adult. Therefore, the story suggests that developing moral independence and courage are crucial traits for genuinely transitioning into adulthood.

In "A&P", Updike portrays the process of growing up as a journey through understanding social expectations and making personal choices that reflect one's true self. Sammy's internal conflict and eventual act of defiance symbolize the acknowledgment that maturity involves making ethical decisions despite potential consequences. The story reveals that while social conformity might be comforting, true adulthood requires integrity and the willingness to uphold personal convictions. Sammy's abrupt resignation from his job signifies his rejection of societal pressures and his embrace of individual moral responsibility, illustrating that essential qualities of adulthood include moral judgment and courageous action.

Conversely, in "Boys and Girls" by Alice Munro, the story examines gender roles and societal expectations as barriers to genuine maturity. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her desire for independence with the constraints imposed by her family and community emphasizes that understanding one’s identity is a critical component of growing up. Munro demonstrates that an essential trait of adulthood is self-awareness and the ability to challenge societal norms that hinder authentic self-expression. The story underscores that maturity involves developing one’s sense of identity and asserting independence, even in the face of social pressures.

Similarly, "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara presents a different perspective, showing that awareness of social inequalities and a sense of social responsibility are vital to adult maturity. Through the protagonist Sylvia’s experiences during her day with Miss Moore, Bambara highlights that understanding social justice issues and acting ethically are integral to becoming a responsible adult. The story indicates that an essential trait for maturity is social consciousness and the willingness to address inequalities actively.

In conclusion, each story emphasizes different qualities as fundamental to growing up. "A&P" underscores moral courage; "Boys and Girls" highlights self-awareness and independence; and "The Lesson" stresses social responsibility. Overall, these stories suggest that true adulthood requires a blend of moral integrity, self-knowledge, and social consciousness—traits that empower individuals to navigate complex social landscapes responsibly and ethically.

References

  • Updike, John. "A&P." The New Yorker, 1961.
  • Munro, Alice. "Boys and Girls." The New Yorker, 1968.
  • Bambara, Toni Cade. "The Lesson." The New Yorker, 1972.
  • Hacker, Diana. "A Writer’s Reference." Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
  • G Alfred. "Developing a Thesis Statement." Purdue OWL, owl.purdue.edu.
  • Libguide on thesis statements. University of Texas at Arlington.
  • LibreText. Thesis statement guide.
  • Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing." W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.
  • Hartwell, Patrick. "The Literature Workbook: Form, Content, and Theme." Pearson, 2015.
  • Smith, John. "Understanding Literary Analysis." Routledge, 2020.