Writing Homework Help

Analyze two characters from two different stories from the six that we read, in other words, one character from each story. They can be from the same section–classic or contemporary or one from each:

Stories:

https://www.katechopin.org/story-hour/

https://www.poemuseum.org/the-cask-of-amontillado

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1948/06/26/the-lottery

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/sweetness-2

http://www.nyx.net/~kbanker/chautauqua/carver.htm

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/13/the-prairie-wife

You need to compare and/or contrast the two characters to argue who is the more [interesting evil, kind, compassionate, thoughtful, determined, etc.—insert one of these or any one of your own adjectives] character. You should choose the adjective that fits (from the list or come up with your own) and use lots of textual evidence to support your claim. You will need to create a focused argument and use evidence (meaning short quotes or facts from the stories) to support your opinion. Your thesis should be straightforward and argued well with specific quotes, paraphrases, and your unique ideas.

For the first, polished, peer review copy I want to see this exact formula for the thesis. For this first essay, I want your thesis to be bolded. 

FOR EXAMPLE:

Here’s the sample of a thesis with two characters.

Comparing_________to_____________, the [more intriguing] character is________ because of [fact #1] and [fact #2].

(This thesis example uses famous works of literature. I didn’t give examples from our stories because I don’t want to take away an idea you may have.)

Comparing Hamlet to the The Boisterous Wife of Bath, the more noble character [in my opinion is implied] is the Wife of Bath because even though both she and Hamlet have extreme views towards regarding what constitutes a healthy, romantic relationship, his views are twisted and complex whereas hers are clear and forthright.

(Again, please note: this is just an example; Hamlet is NOT a choice of character this semester since we are not reading Hamlet neither is The Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales.)

Other Specifics:

• Have catchy “Hook” (first attention-grabber sentence)
• Have a solid “Link” (sentence/s that connect/s hook to the context).
• Context: (reporter questions: who, what, why, where, what and how?) Who wrote the text? When was it written? How was it written?
• CITE IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WHEN YOU ARE SUMMARIZING 
• (ABOUT) THREE WORDS IN A ROW THAT ARE NOT YOUR OWN need to be quoted; otherwise you run the risk of plagiarism.

AND THEN:

Who are the two characters that you will focus on? Why are they important? What is it about him/her that makes him/her [intriguing]—your choice? These are just suggestions. You may not need to answer them all—but do need:

1. Author’s full name on first mention, then last name only in the essay. Don’s say “in Raymond’s story”–Carver is not your buddy, so no first name only–ever!?
2. Title of Work. MLA– SHORT STORIES USE QUOTES. Books use italics. 
3. Some context (context description mentioned above)
4. Character Description

All these are required for each text you choose before you state your thesis.

• Thesis, made up of FACT (from the story) and Opinion

For example, “Comparing___to____, the more [intriguing] figure is________ because of _________ and __________.

• Stay away from logical fallacies.
• Limited use of the “I” is fine, but only use when necessary.
• Avoid “you”; (maybe for the “hook,” otherwise too colloquial and can put reader on the defensive). Preferably not at all.
• Use solid body paragraphs that support your idea.
• Cite evidence and quotes from essay to support your argument.
• End with a strong conclusion that wraps up but is not repetitive. Stay away from “In conclusion” (very elementary).
• Works Cited—you only need to cite the two stories, but if you want to do more research, that’s your prerogative. MLA CITING from out LAVC website (Links to an external site.).
• Purdue Owl is also very good for MLA citin