Compose an analytical essay of at least 1,200 words in which you offer an interpretation of a literary element in one of the assigned short stories. Write your analysis focusing on one of the following elements in one of the assigned stories: Character Theme Symbolism Imagery Setting Start by selecting one of the short stories assigned by your instructor. Brainstorm to identify the literary element that you would like to explore in the story. Choose from character, theme, symbolism, imagery, or setting. Then, develop a thesis that offers a specific interpretation of this element. If you have trouble coming up with a thesis, contact your instructor, who will help you. Do not do any outside research at this point. When finished, the draft should be at least 1,200 words (approximately four double-spaced pages). Use APA formatting and citations. NOTE: Your instructor may allow you to combine two literary elements in your thesis statement if they work together to support your point. Also, your instructor may allow you to compare or contrast some element in two of the assigned stories (e.g., the grandmother characters in “A Worn Path” and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”). Ask for approval before beginning one of these approaches. Tips for the Essay Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a question, quote from the story, or interesting idea. Then, connect to the short story and mention the title and the author. End your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets a literary element of the story. The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present specific aspects of the short story that help to illustrate your points. Make sure to quote from the story and analyze specific lines that support your argument. Body paragraphs typically have at least two short quotations each as supporting evidence. Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your main points and explains the significance of the thesis. Finish this paragraph with a strong and satisfying ending. .

1. Compose an analytical essay of at least 1,200 words in which
you offer an interpretation of a literary element in one of the
assigned short stories. Write your analysis focusing on one of
the following elements in one of the assigned stories:
Character
Theme
Symbolism
Imagery
Setting
Start by selecting one of the short stories assigned by your
instructor. Brainstorm to identify the literary element that you
would like to explore in the story. Choose from character,
theme, symbolism, imagery, or setting. Then, develop a thesis
that offers a specific interpretation of this element. If you have
trouble coming up with a thesis, contact your instructor, who
will help you. Do not do any outside research at this point.
When finished, the draft should be at least 1,200 words
(approximately four double-spaced pages). Use APA formatting
and citations.
NOTE: Your instructor may allow you to combine two literary
elements in your thesis statement if they work together to
support your point. Also, your instructor may allow you to
compare or contrast some element in two of the assigned stories
(e.g., the grandmother characters in “A Worn Path” and “A
Good Man Is Hard to Find”). Ask for approval before beginning
one of these approaches.

2. Tips for the Essay
Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a
question, quote from the story, or interesting idea. Then,
connect to the short story and mention the title and the author.
End your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets a
literary element of the story.
The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present
specific aspects of the short story that help to illustrate your
points. Make sure to quote from the story and analyze specific
lines that support your argument. Body paragraphs typically
have at least two short quotations each as supporting evidence.
Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your
main points and explains the significance of the thesis. Finish
this paragraph with a strong and satisfying ending.