Essay 1

Task:

Write a Literary Analysis Essay focusing on the literary elements covered in the course using TWO of the works of literature listed below as your primary sources:

“The Story of an Hour,” by Kate Chopin

“The Yellow Wallpaper,” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

“Sonny’s Blues,” by James Baldwin

“We Wear the Mask,” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Prompt:

Option 1: Choose one of these starting points and make a claim that compares and/or contrasts how the authors develop a common theme (choose one): identity, self-expression, concealment, authenticity, society’s expectations, isolation, connection, suffering, or another relevant thematic starting point.

Option 2: Choose one of these starting points and make a claim that compares and/or contrasts how the two authors develop a conflicting theme: individuality vs. societal expectation, authenticity vs. concealment, isolation vs. connection, suffering vs. redemption, or some other conflicting but relevant thematic starting point.

First, choose an approach to the analysis that shows how the authors use 2-3 literary elements as illustrations of the particular theme. Choose from symbolism, imagery, characterization, point of view/narrative voice, irony, poetic structure and form, tone, etc., or consult the Fiction/Poetry Literary Terms in the module for more choices.

Second, analyze how the literary elements support, explain, or develop the theme. Each body paragraph needs to focus on how the literary elements prove the theme presented. Remember, the focus of the essay is to analyze the authors’ works, not to present a plot summary.

Third, research: Find and integrate ONE secondary source to support your analysis and interpretation of your primary sources (the literature). You must use a CSCC Library database, full-text source. Do not quote from abstracts.

Expectations:

Cite a minimum of three times from 2 primary works of literature provided in this module.

Use the CSCC library databases to find and cite from 1 scholarly, full-text (no abstracts) secondary source to support your argument. (Search for database sources using the jumping off points and/or CSCC Library Guide for the course.)

3 sources total

80% of the essay should be your argument, analysis, thoughtful content / 20% should be cited quotes and/or paraphrasing from the sources

Form:

600-800 words

Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced

MLA format

Utilize the outline provided:

Introduction with a cohesive thesis at the end

Body paragraphs with connective topic and concluding sentences

Conclusion that reiterates the thesis and offers a take-away message for the reader based on the prompt

Demonstrate standard English conventions of grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.

Use third person: Avoid first and second person pronouns (i.e., I, me, we, you, us, etc.)

Extra Credit:

Tutor.com – many virtual options (see orange icon on the course homepage)

Tutoring and Learning Center in the library – in person

Both are free for Cleveland State students

Take a picture to submit to the dropbox

Plagiarism:

Can result in failure of the assignment and/or course

See plagiarism statement in the Syllabus

AI usage will be detected, investigated, and handled per the instructor’s discretion

Unless you have prior approval from your instructor regarding AI usage, it is not allowed.