PART A

Prompt: Choose ONE PLAY to discuss. Then, choose ONE CHARACTER to discuss. In a well-developed paragraphs, discuss the character, analyzing elements such as the person’s actions, conflicts, and motivations. Include examples and at least one quotation from the play as supporting evidence.

Tips: Remember to provide evidence for your claims in the form of examples and at least one quoted passage from the play. Quotations, paraphrases, and summaries should be cited according to APA style, including in-text and reference citations. Check grammar and spelling before posting. Post directly to the discussion; do not attach a document.

Resource: Refresher on CharacterA reader or viewer of a play can learn about a character in a number of ways. Here are some questions to think about before drafting your response:

• Dialogue/monologue – How do the words the character says reveal information about who he/she is? Does the character have a noticeable speech pattern? Does the character’s use of language reveal his/her emotional state? What is revealed through what others say about the character?
• Action – What is shown through the character’s actions or lack of action?
• Stage directions/movement/props – What is revealed through the character’s placement on the stage, movements, and use of props?
• Relationships/interactions – What is understood about the character through relationships and interactions with other characters?
• Development – Does the character grow and change during the play, or is the character static and unchanged? How developed or round is the character?
• Role – Is this character the narrator? If so, is he/she reliable or unreliable?

PART B

DirectionsFor this essay, you are writing an analysis of one of the characters in one of our 10-minute plays: What Are You Going To Be?, Magic 8 Ball, The Blizzard and Zombie Love.

TipsIn this short essay, be sure that you have the following: an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, at least one body paragraph with supporting reasons, examples, and quotations from the play, and a concluding paragraph. The thesis statement should represent your main argument analyzing the character you have chosen.

The Thesis StatementTo develop your thesis statement, choose two or three descriptive words to define your character. From these words, what main point could you argue about the character in an essay? This opinion or judgment is your thesis statement. Once you have your thesis, choose supporting evidence (quotations and examples from the play) for the body paragraph.

Brainstorming QuestionsYou may use the following brainstorming questions below to generate ideas if you like. It is fine to continue with your character analysis that you started this week in the discussion area for this essay assignment.

Choose one play, and select one character from that play. Consider these questions as you think about your character: What does he or she want? What conflict does this character encounter? How do they attempt to get their desire? What prevents them from achieving it? Does the character change or grow? What is the resolution by the end of the play for this character? After thinking about these questions, develop your thesis statement.

Reminders

• Use APA style, including a title page, in-text citations, and a separate references page.
• Do NOT use outside sources to complete this response; use only on your own insights.
• Quoted material from the play should not exceed 25% of the essay.
• You may exceed the minimum word and paragraph count.

PART C

Lawrence, “The Rocking Horse Winner”

Walker, “Everyday Use”

Hemingway, “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place”

O’Brien, “The Things They Carried”

O’Connor, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”

post your response of at least 150-200 words to the Discussion Area. By the end of the week, comment on at least two of your classmates’ submissions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your instructor will assign five short stories for the class to read and discuss this week. Check the Week 4 Announcement for a list of the assigned stories. You must choose one of these stories to earn credit on the assignment.

Prompt:

Select one of the stories assigned by your instructor, and develop a one- or two-paragraph response to the following:

• Identify one of the main themes used in the story. Explain the message the author is conveying by telling the story in this way.
• Provide at least one specific example and at least one quotation from the story to illustrate your point.
• Discuss how this message affects your reading and interpretation of the story. Is the story more effective or powerful because this theme is included?

Theme refers to the underlying messages or major ideas presented in the story. The author presents some belief about life by telling the story in a certain way. You, as the reader, can interpret what message you received from reading the story, but you must be able to offer evidence to support your viewpoint by sharing examples and quotations from the story.

Tips

Remember to provide evidence for your claims in the form of quoted passages from the story. Quotations, paraphrases, and summaries should be cited according to APA rules of style, including in-text and reference citations. Quoted material should not exceed 25% of the document.

Check grammar and spelling before posting.

Your replies to classmates should be at least a paragraph in length and made with an eye to expand, clarify, defend, and/or refine their thoughts. Consider asking questions to further meaningful conversation. Participation must be completed by the end of the week to earn credit.

Post directly to the discussion; do not attach a document.

Example APA ReferenceFaulkner, W. (1930). A rose for Emily. Cengage: Gale College Collection. https://ng.cengage.com/static/nb/ui/evo/index.html?deploymentId=5672192389602009849706649654&eISBN=9781305969414&id=1032783469&snapshotId=2152676&

PART D

Compose an essay of 750 words in which you offer your interpretation of a literary element (such as character, theme, imagery, or symbolism) in one of the assigned short stories. Your instructor will assign five stories for the class to read and discuss this week. Check the Week 4 Announcement for a list of the assigned stories. You must choose one of these stories to earn credit on the assignment.

Start by selecting one of the short stories assigned by your instructor. Brainstorm to identify the literary element that you would like to explore in the story. Then, develop a thesis that offers a specific interpretation of this element. If you have trouble coming up with a thesis, contact your instructor, who will help you. Do not do any outside research at this point. Use APA formatting and citations.

Tips for the Essay

1. Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a question, quote from the story, or interesting idea. Then, connect to the short story and mention the title and the author. End your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets a literary element of the story.
2. The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present specific aspects of the short story that help to illustrate your points. Make sure to quote from the story and analyze specific lines that support your argument. Body paragraphs typically have at least two short quotations each as supporting evidence.
3. Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your main points and explains the significance of the thesis. Finish this paragraph with a strong and satisfying ending.

APA Reminder

Use APA style for formatting the essay and for source citations. Begin with a title page and use proper font and spacing. End with a separate references page. Refer to the Week 1 lecture on avoiding plagiarism for an APA essay template and additional resources.