English 2: Literary Analysis Essay on "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan

Background: Amy Tan's story, "Two Kinds," demonstrates the importance of the past on shaping characters' present identity, thus reinforcing the notion that personal history shapes an individual's cultural identity and attitudes about the world in the present. For some, the past is a stumbling block, but for others it is something to embrace and hold onto. This common theme plays out in many different works of literature. The past turns out to be an ironic force that moves forward in the present. One author explains, "Moreover, for most Asian American writers, the Old country and its culture are neither ancient nor buried history but very much alive and integral to the present, either in their own lives or in those of their parents and grandparents" (Huntley, Amy Tan a Critical Companion, 20). Keep in mind that the past is a timeless lesson taught in the present and this is something that is woven into the fabric of Tan's story.

Purpose of a Literary Analysis: The purpose of your literary analysis paper is to analyze the story by showing and explaining your own conclusions (interpretations) about how the different literary elements (tools) work together to present Tan's major theme in the short story. A Literary analysis is not summarizing the story-or plot summary. Your paper should explain- that is, show your own thinking on how different literary devices that you believe are relevant for proving your thesis statement, supports your thesis statement, which is the answer to the one central question your essay will answer. Your paper should be focused on supporting and proving your thesis statement with a clear method of organization: chronologically or order of importance. The point being is that this paper must have a clear purpose (thesis statement) and a method of organization that frames your analysis.

Assignment: Write a two-to-three page paper that addresses one central question about the work. The question will be the same for all papers; however, the thesis statement will be your answer to the question, which is basically your own conclusion or interpretation about how the story comes to express the central theme. Body paragraphs will prove the truth of your thesis statement with evidence and your interpretation-not plot summary. The quotes must be relevant to proving the topic sentence and your thesis statement. Limit the number of quotes to two per paragraph-avoid one word quotes. Always use a signal phrase with the name of the speaker, cite it, explain and interpret, and end the paragraph with a linking sentence. Do not simply dump a bunch of short quotations in a paragraph.

Question: In Amy Tan's story, "Two Kinds," how and why does Tan reinforce that personal history-heritage, is important for shaping individual identity in the present?

Thesis Statement: In answering this question, you are drafting a thesis statement that includes your conclusion about the work. A thesis statement is an arguable point or claim. It is not a statement of fact (this includes the word "because"), or your opinion, or a list of literary devices. It is a claim-something you will argue, support with sub-points and evidence, clearly and concisely worded.

Suggestions for Analysis: Once you have decided on your thesis statement you must choose specific literary tools (techniques) in the work that will best support your thesis. Each body paragraph should focus on one device that is used in the work to support your interpretation and thus prove the writer's theme. This is a two-to-three page paper, so you will have to carefully plan which literary tools to focus on to prove your thesis statement in order to stay within the assignment guidelines. The questions will help frame your analysis.

Plot: (Chapter 13: 218-222). What is the central conflict or conflicts that drives this story and how is it used to convey the theme? What conflicts does the story present? Conflicts of one character against another? How are the conflict(s) resolved?

Character: (Chapter 14: 255-258). How does the writer reveal character? Through dialogue? Through actions? If a character changes, why and how does she change? Why is this significant? Do sharp contrasts between characters highlight important themes? Do characters change? If so, what does this suggest about their experience?

Point of View: (Chapter 16:340-349) What is the point of view and how does this help your understanding of the theme? What is the age of the speaker and how does this help to create the theme? What are the advantages of the story's point of view? How does it accomplish the author's purpose?

Style, (Chapter 17: 386-392). How would you describe the choice of words and their arrangement (the style) in this work? Does the author call attention to the way he or she uses words, or is the style inconspicuous? What are the various connotations (shades of meaning, or emotional suggestions) of key words in this work? If dialect or colloquial speech is used, what is its effect?
Are there statements or actions in this work that are presented ironically (that is, there is a discrepancy between appearance and reality, or between what is said and what is intended)?

•  Verbal Irony: This is the discrepancy between what is said and what is meant.
•  Situational Irony: A discrepancy between appearance and reality; a factual truth is highlighted by some person's complete ignorance of it or his belief in the opposite of it.

Symbol, (Chapter 18: 444-450). What symbols are used? A symbol is a person, object, action, place or event that in addition to its literal meaning, suggests a more complex meaning or range of meanings. What meanings does each symbol suggest? How do symbols suggest themes?

Helpful Handouts on eCompanion: "Tips on Writing about Literature," "Outline," "Incorporating Sources," "Understanding Literary Techniques," "Demystifying In-Text Citations," "Format for the Literary Paper."

Point of View: For this paper, use third person. Do not use "you" or "we" or "I."

MLA Format/Documentation/Works Cited: The paper must follow MLA format, typed, double-space, 12-font Times New Roman. No outside sources. If you use sources other than the short story, you will receive an "F" grade. Work Cited: This will be on the last page of your essay and it must follow the MLA format. Refer to the handouts on eCompanion.

Evaluation Criteria: The grade sheet is available on eCompanion. The essay is 45 points, peer review is 5 points, the draft is 5 points and the outline is 5 points. Total points earned for this assignment is: 60.