Write an essay comparing and contrasting the theme of evil in two short stories we have read in this class. Explain the nature of evil in each of the readings. How does each writer's use of literary elements contribute to the type of evil he/she is describing? What is the message of each story? Focus on similarities and differences in the stories. As appropriate, include analysis of how different literary elements contribute to your thesis. Late work is never accepted in this class. You get a grade of zero. Remember, plagiarism is a serious offense. A plagiarism program will be utilized. You may write this paper collaboratively. See the following link: https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2020/10/collaborative-essay.html
Guidelines for Compare/Contrast Essay
- Make sure you decide on a focused thesis statement/theme. Do not try to compare/contrast too many elements. Choose a few elements (rhetorical devices) to compare and contrast for such a short essay.
- Essay needs should be two pages (to one inch from the bottom). A paper that is less in length will lose points.
- Be sure to use the correct MLA format. A paper that has mistakes in MLA format cannot achieve a grade of A.
- Your essay must contain quotations (short ones; no longer than a sentence; even words and phrases will do).
- You must cite the page number and line or paragraph number where you found the quotation. Look at the MLA format guidelines at the top of this web page for how to correctly format your in-text citations. There is also MLA formatting information in the first module on the Canvas page for your course.
- Your essay should be analysis, not summary.
- Compare and contrast the essays evenly throughout (your discussion should be balanced). In other words, do not have one half of the paper about one author, and the last half about the other author. Your analysis/comparing and contrasting should be well integrated throughout your discussion.
- Do not have very short paragraphs (this is a sign of poor organization).
- Body paragraphs should be at least seven sentences. Opening and closing paragraphs should be shorter (3-5 sentences maximum).
- Do not have overly long paragraphs (a whole page, for example).
- When you refer to the authors in the body paragraphs, use their last names.
- Titles of the short stories should be within quotation marks. Capitalize important words.
- Write the entire essay in the present tense (literary present).
- Be sure not to be "chatty." An essay should be formal English.
- Watch run-on sentences, fragments, careless errors in mechanics and grammar.
- Proofread your essay well. Have someone else proofread your essay.
- Be
sure the essay is mostly your thoughtful commentary and not a piecing
together of quotes from the handouts. Choose your quotations carefully.
Sample Opening Paragraph for an Essay
Example:
Evil in all its incarnations has fascinated humanity for ages. From religious texts to contemporary fiction, the theme of evil, whether subtle, grotesque, or horrifying has been integral to the art of storytelling. Flannery O'Connor, in her short story, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own," creates [a one-sentence plot and theme summary, indicating the type/degree of evil]. Edgar Allan Poe, in his short story "Hop-Frog," relates a more frightening tale of evil in which [a one-sentence plot and theme summary, indicating the type/degree of evil]. Both texts reveal people's fascination with the depravity that may lurk in the human psyche and its harmful effect on others.
Format: Typed, MLA format, 12 point font, one-inch margins, literary present tense, two double-spaced pages (to the bottom margin of the second page). See the tab at top of this website for information about MLA format and sample paper. Also consult the Rubrics tab to guide you. Find the appropriate rubrics for this essay.
Introductory and Concluding paragraphs should not be long (3-5 sentences max.) Body paragraphs should be at least 7 sentences.
See tab at top of this website for information about MLA format and sample paper. Also consult the Rubrics tab to guide you. Find the appropriate rubrics for this essay.
A paper with any mistakes in MLA format cannot receive a grade of A.
Rubrics to Consult
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2014/01/english-i-how-to-write-literary.html#more
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2016/08/see-also-post-explains-analysis.html#more
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2019/04/essay-rubric.html#more
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2019/09/comparecontrast-essay-rubric.html#more
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2019/02/peer-editing-of-essays.html
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