Process Paper: Prose Analysis Essay

Process Paper: Prose Analysis Essay

Overview:

Practicing the skills that we have discussed as part of the Prose Question on the Free Response Section of the AP Lit exam, select 19th – 20th century short story to compose an argumentative analysis over. As part of this assignment, you must develop a thesis that compellingly shows how the narrative and literary elements convey theme and meaning. You must select at least two elements to analyze (though, for the length of the paper, more than two are recommended).

Story Selection:

You may use my resources or do independent research to select a 19th – 20th century short story to analyze. The story should not be extremely long (say, more than 15 pages) but make sure the length accommodates enough material for a 600-800 word paper. Select a story that is interesting to you. 19th century stories are largely available in the public domain, and would be good to use for this exercise so that you may practice your knowledge and expansion of antiquated vocabulary. (Try resources like Project Gutenberg.) If you want to choose a 20th century story, I have several collections you may look through.

Expectations:

Follow the rubric designed collaboratively by the class. As usual, process papers should be typed, double spaced, and MLA formatted. Font must be Times New Roman or Courier New only. Please make sure to include parenthetical citations for page numbers (you may need to number the lines yourself). Paper must be between 600-800 words in length.

Due Dates:

Short stories must be selected and approved by Ms. Elliott by midnight on Friday, November 13th. You can speak to me in person or email me the poet’s name, title of the work, and publication date.

Analysis paper is due by midnight on Tuesday, November 17th (at Turnitin).

Questions/Advice/Assistance:

If you feel like you need assistance in selecting a short story, deciphering a short story, or if you would like feedback on your rough draft, please make an appointment to see me in tutorials or conference time (when available). I’m here to help!

Grading Rubric:

Performance Criteria (Weighted at 25% each) / Effective / Adequate / Inadequate
Thesis Statement & Argumentative Content / Student effectively employs a convincing thesis statement containing two literary techniques or devices, and convincingly argues their connection to a theme found in the work. / Student has an argumentative thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work. / Student has unsuccessfully attempted to employ a thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work, or student has neglected to include a thesis all together.
Assertions & Connection to the Text / Student effectively employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects quotes to the theme with their own convincing analysis. / Student employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects the quotes to the theme with analysis. / Student does not employ two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and/or unsuccessfully connects the quotes to the theme with analysis.
Thematic Statement & Conclusion / Student has a summative, compelling conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a convincing thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student lacks a conclusion, or has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is unsuccessfully addressed with a thematic statement in the final sentences, or is missing a thematic statement all together.
Grammar, MLA, & Written Conventions / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are flawless. / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation show signs of proofreading and attention. / Essay is typed and not double-spaced, or not formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, and may or may not include parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation do not show signs of proofreading or attention.