ENGL 102 Fiction Essay Instructions In Module Week 3

ENGL 102 Fiction Essay Instructions in Module/Week 3

In Module/Week 3, you will write a 750-word (3–4 pages) essay that compares and contrasts two stories from the Fiction Unit. Before beginning, develop a thesis statement and outline for your essay, formatted in a single Word document using MLA, APA, or Turabian style. Submit your thesis and outline by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 2 for instructor feedback. The final essay is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3 and must include a title page, the thesis/outline page, the essay, and a references page of cited texts.

Choose two stories from the provided list: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Destructors” by Graham Greene, “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence, “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Child by Tiger” by Thomas Wolfe, or “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. Focus your essay on at least one element of fiction: conflict/plot/structure, characterization, setting, theme/authors’ purposes, point of view, tone/style/irony/symbol/imagery. Develop your analysis by addressing questions related to your chosen element(s).

For example, if focusing on character, analyze main characters' qualities, development, emotions, motivations, and how these are presented. If analyzing setting, consider location, time, atmosphere, symbolism, and impact on plot and characters. When exploring theme or author’s purpose, examine how the themes are conveyed, their relation to the author’s intent, and stylistic devices used. When discussing tone, style, irony, or symbolism, consider how these elements reinforce the story’s message or mood.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires a comparative analysis of two short stories from the specified list, centered around a specific element of fiction such as character development, plot structure, setting, theme, tone, or literary devices. This analysis aims to deepen understanding of literary techniques and how they serve the stories' themes and authors' intentions.

Choosing two stories for comparison enables the writer to explore similarities and differences that illuminate particular elements of fiction. For instance, comparing how different authors portray conflict can reveal how narrative tension is crafted and its effect on reader engagement. Similarly, analyzing setting and mood can show how locale and atmosphere influence plot development and character behavior in contrasting ways.

Developing a thesis statement that clearly states the focus of the comparison is critical. This thesis guides the essay’s structure, which should be organized around specific points of comparison supported by textual evidence. An effective outline helps to organize ideas coherently, ensuring each paragraph connects back to the thesis.

Throughout the essay, close reading techniques are essential to identify how literary devices support themes and characterizations. Incorporating quotations and detailed analysis demonstrates mastery of the texts and strengthens the argument. Proper citation in MLA, APA, or Turabian style is necessary for all sources referenced.

The conclusion should synthesize insights derived from the comparison, emphasizing how the examined element enhances understanding of each story's meaning and artistic purpose. The final paper should be well-written, with clear paragraphs, logical progression of ideas, and correct grammar and mechanics.

References

  • Jackson, Shirley. “The Lottery”.
  • Greene, Graham. “The Destructors”.
  • Lawrence, D.H. “The Rocking-Horse Winner”.
  • Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “Young Goodman Brown”.
  • Wolfe, Thomas. “The Child by Tiger”.
  • Connell, Richard. “The Most Dangerous Game”.
  • Kennedy, X.J., & Gioia, Dana. (2019). Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. 13th Edition.
  • Gerrard, Brian. (2007). Writing about Literature: The Essential Guide. Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Rosenblatt, L. M. (1995). Literature as Exploration. MLA.
  • Leitch, Vincent B. (2001). The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. Norton.

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