Freshman English I – Short Story Compare/Contrast Essay –Honors/Academic – 1st Tier
Write a 4-6 page (1000-2000 word) formal essay (typed and double-spaced) comparing two short stories from the list of stories we have read. See below. Note: If you would like to go outside of this list, you may choose one story of high literary merit to compare with one of the stories on the list.
“Father and I” by Par Lagerkvist
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs
“The Beginning of Grief” by Larry Woiwode
“The Storyteller” by H.H. Munro (Saki)
“The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe
“The Bet” by Anton Chekhov
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut
“The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield
“The Secret Lion” by Alberto Alvaro Rios
“Gryphon” by Charles Baxter
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Topic Sentence – Begin with a topic sentence that identifies the author and title of each story and finds some point of comparison between the two stories.
General Exposition – Next, provide exposition by introducing each story in a general way with some brief mention of subject matter, story-line and historical background of the story or the author (optional).
Narrow the Focus – Narrow the focus of your paper by mentioning either character conflicts, symbolism or subject matter and theme as the main element that you will be analyzing in your paper.
Thesis Statement – Make an original assertion about the two stories with regard to characters-in-conflict, symbolism or subject matter / theme – preferably something beyond the level of “obvious truth,” and therefore, insightful, thought-provoking and open to debate.
* BODY OF PAPER *
Paragraphs 2-3 (Specific Exposition)
Specific Exposition/Analysis of Story-Line – Describe in detail the elements of each story with regard to: plot, setting, characters, conflicts and subject matter –with some mention of story arc – i.e. how each story unfolds, builds suspense and reaches its conclusion. In these paragraphs you are highly encouraged to mention such terms as: exposition, rising action/complication, conflict, suspense, foreshadowing, climax, falling action and resolution/denouement.
Paragraphs 3-4 or 3-4-5-6 (Specific Points of Comparison)
Points of Comparison – In support of your thesis statement, use these paragraphs to analyze and investigate specific points of comparison (or contrast) regarding either: characters, conflicts, symbolism, subject matter or theme. As part of your analysis, please remember to provide relevant quotations as evidence supporting your claims and observations.
Paragraph 5 or 7 (Conclusion)
Final Editorial Remarks – Finish your essay with some concluding remarks on the ultimate meaning/life-lesson (s) associated with each story, making specific reference to subject matter, character conflicts, symbolism or theme and include final editorial remarks (your “verdict”) on how effectively each story deals with these.