Engl 1102—Expository Essay
Due: Tuesday, 2/6/07 Length: 3 (full)-4 pages (not including the works cited page) 1. Choose one story from the list below and explore how a literary device (character, setting, point of view, etc) is integral to the story. Faulkner, William. “Barn Burning.” Hurston, Zora Neale. “Sweat.” Tyler, Anne. “A Teenage Wasteland.” Welty, Eudora. “A Worn Path.” As this is a short essay, it should not include large sections of plot summary. Rather, you should explore your ideas about the text and a literary device through focusing on the interconnected features of the story. Keep the following in mind as you construct your essay: Back up your analysis with specific observations about the text. Focus on details that strike you as most meaningful. Incorporate at least three quotations from the story using parenthetical documentation (MLA style). Avoid repetitive phrasing. I encourage you to explore your own intellectual interests as you critically engage with the story. However, should you need a gentle guide, examples of possible essay topics include the following. How does POV contribute to the story’s overall meaning? How does a protagonist evolve over the course of the story? Explore how character and setting are interrelated. Does setting play a significant role in the story’s plot or tone? 2. I expect each student to demonstrate and further the fundamental writing skills developed in ENGL 1101. Your essay should use standard grammar/mechanics, apply appropriate tone/style/diction for an academic audience, and have proper formatting. be divided into clear, logical paragraphs (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion), and each supporting body paragraph should adequately develop one assertion with appropriate examples. ***Remember that revision, editing, and proofing are different and necessary steps in the writing process, so leave adequate time in the end for these tasks. No matter how good the analysis is, sloppy papers never hit the “A” mark. Turn them in stapled please!