English Assignment

Response Paper: Theme Analysis

Directions:

First, complete the readings for Week 3:

• Read "Style, Tone, and Irony" (page 264) and "Combining the Elements of Fiction: A Writing Process" (page 293).

• Read "A Study of Flannery O'Connor," pages 350-400, paying careful attention to her biographical information, "A Good Man is Hard to Find," "Good Country People," and "Revelation."

• Read "A Thematic Case Study of The Literature of the South," pages 453-468.

Then, review all of the online learning resources:

• The Southern Gothic Literary Tradition notes

• "A Good Man is Hard to Find" Sample Thesis Statements

Next, compose a response paper that analyzes "A Good Man is Hard to Find," "Good Country People," OR "Revelation" (pick one) specifically in terms of theme, by addressing one or more of the following questions: what do you think is the story's underlying message? How does the story's characters, setting, and plot help to emphasize this theme? Are there any symbols in the story that might help underscore this theme? Finally, what might this theme suggest about the author's worldview or values?

• Compose a 1000-1200-word response that analyzes a story's theme. You can apply a Critical Strategy to help guide your response. Your paper should contain at least ONE direct quote and ONE paraphrase fromthe text, and it should include an MLA formatted Works Cited page.

Hint: Your textbook is an anthology.

• Remember to double space your paper, include an MLA heading, MLA pagination, and ensure that you are using 12 point Cambria or Times New Roman font. At minimum, your paper should be 1000-1200 words. For reference, this document is ~350 words.