In a carefully constructed paper of 1,800 word respond to one of the following topics. Make sure that the essay has a focused, narrow, assertive thesis, and that it contains abundant textual support for all subassertions and claims (direct quotations, paraphrases, or summaries). You can write on a particular writer or story only once in the semester.

Topic One: Analysis of Style in Relation to Theme - Choose one story and analyze how specific elements of fiction, such as symbolism, imagery, setting, characterization, plot structure, or language contribute to the story's central theme (e.g., imagery of light, vision, and beauty in "Araby"). Make sure you explain how and why, and make your thesis very specific and unique (do not merely present a statement of fact about the story or stories).