Assignment 1

Submission deadline: midnight, 17 September.

In an essay of 500 to 750 words, write a character analysis of one of the characters we have encountered in our reading, showing clearly how our understanding of the character helps us to understand the meaning of the story. You may choose either a major or minor character.

In addition to examining the author's methods of characterization, try to determine to what extent conflict, setting, and language play a part in our understanding. (This does not mean that you will devote a separate developmental paragraph to each of these.)

Remember that whatever choice you make, the response should center upon your ideas about the subject--with reference to the text or texts used solely for supporting the various points you will be making. To insure that you have adequate, specific support, you will want to make certain that you draw upon the text, using well-chosen supporting quotations.

While use of sources outside the textbook is not required for this assignment, you are to follow MLA guidelines for parenthetical documentation, and you are to provide a "Works Cited" entry for the story. (Consult the FAQ; study the sample essay; and review the MLA Quick Guide.)

Pay special attention to the framing of a focused thesis statement which points specifically to the direction your development will take. Without one, your reader is inadequately prepared for your presentation. Then, make certain that your entire essay deals directly and emphatically with that thesis. The most common deficiency in essays about literature is the loss of focus on the central idea; instead of using the materials in the piece of literature to show that the idea is reasonable and valid, the unthinking writer will often lapse into simply retelling the narrative as if the idea were self-evident from the plot line. Simply retelling or summarizing a work does not show an understanding of it; when you summarize you are merely following the material. Your goal should be to lead the material in order to drive home your point. Also, do not make the mistake of letting the author's organization of the story determine your own.

In some fashion, your introduction should 1) identify the piece of literature by title and author; 2) provide your thesis; 3) suggest the importance of that thesis to the reader's general understanding of the piece; and 4) establish the dramatic context or background to your discussion by offering a brief summary or overview of the piece. (Give the author's full name for the first reference; subsequent references need only the last name. Don't use titles with the name, such as "Mr.")

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