In the following essay, consider how three of these authors (any three of the fo

In the following essay, consider how three of these authors
(any three of the following: Gilman, Cahan, Dreiser, Crane, Far, Rash,
Liu, or Chesnutt) covered thus far in class create a narrative and thematic
structure that challenges expectations. That is, trace how specifics in each of
the given stories lead the reader to think a particular storyline or plot is to
be followed, only to be subverted by the actual ending of the story. Trace your
own reading experience with the three works, and mention precise moments where
the author led you to certain expectations for the subsequent narrative and
plot. Remember–the entire point of this essay is to explore twist
endings in the stories, so your thesis should reflect that.
Your extended, one-page conclusion paragraph
should then attempt some synthesis of the narrative technique and story
structure shared by the three authors in their creation of such a story
reversal. That is, you would attempt some original comparison of the three
stories and their “reversal techniques” in your final paragraph. Try to isolate
the techniques in question and name them (literary foreshadowing, symbolism,
etc.), in your own words. In each body paragraph, you need to have
directly-quoted passages to substantiate your points.
Since you’re speaking of your own reading expectations for
this assignment, you’re welcome to use the first person in this essay. For
citation, provide an in-text parenthetical citation with the author and the
page number; for web sources, do the best you can with page numbers (sometimes
they don’t exist). Then, provide an end-of-text full citation of the work in
question: where you found it, the name of the source, when accessed, and so
forth. Your entire essay should be about 750-1000 words, give or take,
excluding the Works Cited page. Use the Purdue Owl as a citation guide:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Include a “Works Cited” page with the three stories used. Do
not use any outside sources besides the three stories (e.g., no internet
sources on the stories; don’t consult any online summaries, in other words, and
trust your own judgment instead). Students are encouraged to use Smarthinking
for assistance. I’ll post an evaluation and grade shortly thereafter in the
grade book. Good luck and good writing!