"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Task:

Option 1: Write a literary analysis of ONE of the short stories we read in this course.

Option 2: Write a literary analysis comparing TWO of the short stories we read in this course focusing one common theme.

Briefly summarize the plot, and what you think are the three essential literary elements to demonstrating your interpretation of the story. What THEME or main idea is revealed? Focus on HOW and WHY the author wrote the story.

Audience and purpose: Your objective is to use evidence to support your analysis of the short story.Option 1: Your audience is your classmates who have read the short story before.

Option 2: Your audience is your classmates who have NOT read the short story before.

Research and evidence: You need only draw from the texts that you have read for this project. Include a minimum of two quotes in each body paragraph as supporting evidence.

Steps toward success:

• Read your short story in-depth. (This will require multiple readings of the text.) Take notes and annotate the story.

• Include an arguable thesis and sufficient evidence to support your thesis.

• Take advantage of the process. Carefully consider all revision comments you receive from your peers and instructor, and make significant revisions.

• Avoid simply summarizing the plot of the short story. Remember that this class focuses on your analytical writing skills, not on retelling the story.

Checklist:

• Length: 1000-1200 words

• Sources: For this project, you need only refer to the literature on which you are working. Include a minimum of two quotes in each body paragraph as supporting evidence.

• Be sure to cite both the evidence from the text and any outside sources you use.

• Include a Works Cited page using MLA style.