Final Paper

FINAL PAPER – COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: “THE USE OF . . .”


Task: to analyze, in a comparative manner, two (or three) stories, as to their use of a
single element of fiction. One of the stories must come from the following list (your story from paper 1 is off limits):

The Student’s Wife – Raymond Carver
A Wagner Matinee – Willa Cather
The Enormous Radio – John Cheever
We Didn’t – Stuart Dybek
Constant Pain in Tuscaloosa – Barry Hannah
In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried – Amy Hempel
Rules of the Game – Amy Tan
Everyday Use – Alice Walker
A Worn Path – Eudora Welty
The Man Who Was Almost a Man – Richard Wright

The other may come from any of the stories that were assigned during the semester. Feel free as well to use one of your blog assignments as a springboard to this paper, assuming you develop it significantly. After you have chosen your stories, read and re-read them closely, taking note of the elements in them that make them what they are, then choose one of the elements of fiction that were the basis for organizing our readings (Plot, Character, Point of View, Symbol, Form, Allegory, etc.) and analyze the stories’ use or lack of that element, taking into account how the fiction element you chose manifests itself in each of the stories as well as comparing the two.

Requirements:
o You must support your own assertions with specific details and explanations thereof.
o Do not spend long paragraphs only describing the texts’ elements, similarities, or differences. Try to begin each paragraph with an argument about the texts. In other words, always answer “so what.”
o Show your work. Saying something doesn’t make it so. Be sure you slow down and explain your reasoning, step by step.
o Explain the evidence and its relevance to your argument/idea–a reader may not be able to follow your thinking, so explain it to them. Quote the text extensively, but, remember not to rely only on the quotes (never leave a quote to explain itself) to do all of the work, as your reader may interpret the quote differently than you.

Essays should demonstrate clear analysis, sound organization, and evidence in the form of reasoning and close-reading.

Grades will be determined as follows:
Topic/Purpose Development 50%
Organization and Support 30%
Style and Mechanics 20%

When you have completed your essay blog post, and are ready for me to evaluate it, please submit a link to your blog in the space provided at the right of the assignment page. Also attach it as a Word Document on the assignment sheet as well: this is so I can make comments and return the document to you. If you have questions about this assignment, please feel free to contact me at jjoelthomas@netscape.net.

A recommended process:
1. Take extensive notes (on paper or in the margins) of the story
2. Reread the story again, noting dominant or important patterns that relate to the fiction element(s) you are focusing on.
3. Freewrite on the topic for 10-15 minutes, letting yourself write anything that relates. Some of these “gut” responses may translate to the final draft, or illuminate other ideas.
4. Look over your notes and review parts of the poems again, noting patterns and differences between the 2 texts.
5. Draft some body paragraphs in which you lay out evidence (examples of elements) and interpret them.
6. Let it sit for a day or so, if possible. Reread your draft to see what it is adding up to; find more/further evidence in the text you had yet to consider.
7. Revise and edit, making sure you have fully supported your ideas with evidence (quotes and reasoning) and explanations.


Form: The paper should be 5-7 FULL pages in length, and may use secondary sources—
but be sure to document your sources using MLA style. When you turn in your paper, post it on your blog AND submit a word attachment on web ct and/or to my email address. Any questions feel free to email me at jjoelthomas@netscape.net.


Due Dates:
Paper proposals due: April 21
Final Paper due: April 28