I already chose two stories which are “The Chrysanthemums” John Steinbeck and “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Short Story Analysis:
Responding to two stories from the SEAGULL READER STORIES textbook, write a +2000 word essay that analyzes two short stories connected by character and theme.
Analyze and evaluate the protagonists from each work. (You may also analyze antagonist characters and supporting characters, if you wish to focus on someone other than the protagonist). Compare / contrast the characters, considering their personality, choices, and outcomes. You may wish to analyze each story’s use of one or more literary elements (for example: hubris, climax, symbolism, or epiphany).
Argue whether or not readers can gain any valuable “life lessons.” Should readers embrace or reject the message(s) from each story?
Typed / Double Spaced / MLA Format
Unlike the upcoming Drama Analysis, students WILL NOT include research. For this paper, I am more interested in your interpretation, rather than the opinions of critics, scholars, and Sparknotes. Generate original interpretations.
Length: 2000 words (minimum)
1) Be academic in tone & style: Do not use personalized phrases such as: “I think,” “I believe,” or “In my opinion”
(Those phrases minimize the persuasiveness of your argument.)
2) Investigate the little things. Analyze the more subtle moments and character choices, and you might discover fascinating ways to interpret each story.
3) Don’t over summarize. You are not retelling the story. Assume your reader has read the material. Now, you will persuade the reader to view the story and its messages from a certain perspective.
4) Remember: You don’t need to agree with the messages of these stories. Feel free to be critical.
5) There are a few super-short stories that I don’t want you to choose: “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, “Volar,” by Judith Ortiz Cofer, “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, “The Memory Priest of the Creech People” by Paul Theroux, and “Currents” by Hannah Voskuil.