Mini Literature Paper essay

The mini literature paper will focus on one of two short stories, either The Lottery by Shirley Jackson or The Storm by Kate Chopin. This short essay is to expose you to MLA documentation and writing about literature. First, choose which short story you find most interesting and then follow the instructions for your chosen story. 

The following are the guidelines you should follow in drafting your paper:

The Lottery instructions:

Introduction: Paragraph One – write a short biography of the author Shirley Jackson; define irony; thesis statement will be last sentence in this paragraph. Use the following thesis sentence:

Thesis: In The Lottery the author uses irony to provide readers with a twisted tale that shocks readers in the end. 

Paragraph Two – Discuss how the townspeople prepared for the lottery

  Use one quotation

Paragraph Three – Discuss the ironic twists of the name lottery and what happens to Tessie in the end

  Use one quotation

Paragraph Four – Rephrase thesis; conclude with an overall meaning of the story

 

The Storm instructions:

Introduction: Paragraph One – Write a short biography of the author Kate Chopin; define setting; thesis will be the last sentence in this paragraph. Use the following thesis sentence:

Thesis: In The Storm the author uses the setting to reinforce her ideas about love, passion, and marriage.

Paragraph Two – Discuss the setting before Alcee arrives and how Calixta and Alcee end up alone

  Use one quotation

Paragraph Three – Discuss the setting as the affair is taking place

    Use one quotation

Paragraph Four – Rephrase thesis statement; conclude with an overall meaning of the story