This is the second major writing assignment for the course. Write an essay of 800-1000 words in APA style on one of the short story options listed in this section. Use at least the main short story identified for each writer listed in the options folder of this module. Depending on your topic, you may use some additional short stories by that same writer as well. For example, if you decided to write about a theme which is important for one of these writers, you would need to show how that theme appears in several stories.
If you wanted to write about the use of symbolism, the main short story might be enough, but you could also pull in more examples from additional stories by that same writer. Whatever your topic, be sure to put a persuasive/argumentative edge on the essay. Argue for something. Argue that this is an important theme for this writer, or argue that the use of symbolism is critical to the success of the story. This is a documented essay, so bring in at least two sources in addition to the short stories used.
The library can help with sources. Try to find something of good quality, not just a blog someone posted or a site like Cliffnotes. Use APA style and include a references page with sources listed. Include an abstract and title page. Be sure to document sources in the essay. Remember that the module on poetry also contains instructional material for APA style. You can send me an idea for a topic if you like.
Alice Walker – “Everyday Use”
Nathaniel Hawthorne – “Young Goodman Brown”
Flannery O’Conner – “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
Sandra Cisneros – “Mericans”
Those are the 4 options to choose to write about
