Module 3 fiction: point of view and theme essay
· Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried”
· Juan Rulfo, “Tell Them Not To Kill Me”
Compose a 750 to 1250 word essay using one of the following questions:
1. Identify two assigned short stories from Modules 2 and 3 that share a similar theme. Explain how this theme appears in each of the stories you selected, using specific examples from each work.
2. Identify two assigned short stories from Modules 2 and 3 that share a similar theme. Explain how in each of the stories you selected the setting allows for the exploration of the theme you selected.
3. Identify two assigned short stories from Modules 2 and 3 that have different points of view (first-person vs. third-person, etc). Explain how in each of the stories you selected its point of view might influence the reader’s interpretation of the story.
4. Identify two assigned short stories from Modules 2 and 3 that contain dominant symbols. Provide an interpretation of those symbols and explain how they are related to another literary element of the story, such as character, setting, or theme.
Successfully completing this assignment will involve constructing an overall thesis for your essay that addresses one of the prompts above and then using quotations and references to specific scenes from the works you select as evidence to support your argument. Reference the Writer’s Workshops in Modules 1, 2, and 3 for helpful advice about constructing literary arguments as well as using MLA format for your essay, citations, and references.
Introduction
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10 pts
Clearly provides all necessary information and sets expectations.
8 pts
Minor lack or excess of information; minor lack of clarity.
6 pts
Confusing, vague or lacking.
10 pts
Body Structure
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10 pts
Paragraphs consistently meet expectations; transitions very clear.
8 pts
1-3 lapses in paragraphs; 1-3 problems with transitions.
6 pts
So many lapses in paragraphs or problems with transitions that comprehension is difficult.
10 pts
Conclusion
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10 pts
Ends paper with powerful impact; creates a fully satisfying sense of completion.
8 pts
Ending works, but may be weak or does not create a good sense of completion.
6 pts
Weak, confusing or missing ending.
10 pts
Content
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30 pts
Paper carefully and thoroughly responds to the topic, discusses both works intelligently and compares and contrasts them effectively.
24 pts
Paper adequately responds to the topic; length is adequate to address the topic; there is discussion of two works of literature.
18 pts
Paper does not respond effectively to the topic; length is insufficient to adequately address the topic; discussion of one work missing or incomplete.
30 pts
Writing Style
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15 pts
Pleasing variety of sentence constructions; always effective and appropriate brevity, use of parallelism and/or poetic effects.
12 pts
Relatively few minor errors.
9 pts
Errors detract significantly from comprehension or create significant distractions.
15 pts
Grammar
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10 pts
Few to no errors (1% or less of assignment word total).
8 pts
Some errors (less than 5% of word total).
6 pts
Errors detract significantly from comprehension.
10 pts
Sources
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15 pts
Sources interspersed with writer’s own analysis or synthesis; quotes are less than 10% of paper; 1-5 minor errors in documentation.
12 pts
Sources interspersed with writer’s own work; quotes are less than 20% of paper; more than 5 minor errors in documentation.
9 pts
Sources strung together with little of the writer’s own work; quotes are 50% or more of paper; citations missing or with major errors; plagiarism.
15 pts
