Choose only one topic.
· Thinking about “The Secret Lion,” consider this: Is Sergio necessary to the story, or would the events described be the same without him? Explain. Think about things you’ve done, adventures you’ve had. Did you do it alone, or did you have a buddy with you? Was the experience better or worse because you had a companion, or because you didn’t?
· A character in just about every story you’ve read has some sort of epiphany, be it good or bad. Choose one character and discuss his/her “realization” and how it affects the character/story. Think about Miss Brill, the narrator in “The Secret Lion,” Louise Mallard, the narrator in “Araby” and each character’s “aha/oh no” moment.
· We usually admire a person who rises out of poverty to get an education and better his or her circumstances, but in “Everyday Use,” the reader does not generally identify with Dee or sympathize with her. Why not? Who is the narrator in the story? How does her view color the reader’s viewpoint? Do you see Dee as totally unlikable? Do you think those traits that appear to be her shortcomings are actually both common and necessary for someone to progress in life? Should we admire Mama and Maggie who are not willing to change?
Remember, this essay should be a minimum of 600 words, double spaced.
For this essay, in addition to your textbook you will find one outside source from GALILEO to support your thesis. Remember to document information you use from this source in the body of your essay with appropriate APA in-text citations and with a full APA citations on your References page.
Think. That’s what I want here. Using reliable outside sources to support your essay doesn’t mean I expect to see literary criticism only. Of course you can use it, but don’t limit yourself to literary criticism. For the topic related to “The Story of an Hour,” for instance, think of the cultural/societal norms of the time and how that impacted women. You’ll be able to find literary criticism related to “Everyday Use.” It honestly is a more popular piece; hence more has been written on it.
All I’m saying is, don’t limit yourself to just literary criticism. Think.
