Reference no: EM131675806

Short Story Opening Explication

In this assignment, you will be explicating (giving a close analysis of) the opening paragraph or paragraphs (approximately the first 250 words of the story) of one of the short stories we have discussed or will be discussing in class.

The following questions should help you in your analysis, though you should not feel compelled to address all of them! In fact, it is very important that you NOT simply list answers to these questions.

Instead, you must craft cohesive paragraphs with clear transitions so as to create a unified essay. In your opening paragraph, be sure to reference the title (in quote marks) and the author's full name. Once you meant the author once, you can simply use the last name.

Be sure to read the sample explication which can be found in the Sample Papers file on the Study Tools link our the Course Content Section.

Also be sure to review the grading rubric which is linked here so that you understand how the explication will be evaluated.

Choose one story from the following:

"The Story of an Hour"

"A Sorrowful Woman"

"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner

"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner

"A Father" by Bharati Mukherjee

"Eveline" by James Joyce

Questions to get you started:

What is described in the opening of this short story? Setting, character, mood, an important event? How does the author's description of these elements capture your attention?

How does the author's use of diction or figurative language influence your reading of the opening? Are you confused? Intrigued? Horrified?

How is the point of view (narrator) established in the opening?

How does the opening affect your expectations as a reader?

Does the opening give careful background information or does it seem as if the story begins in the middle of a complicated plot? Is the conflict of the story revealed in the opening?

What details included in the opening become important to your understanding of the entire story? Yes, you may briefly mention elements in the rest of the story, although the focus of your paper should be the opening.

How does your reading of the opening change when you return to re-read it after having finished the story?

Your assignment should be typed (standard format: double-spaced, 1 inch margins) and carefully proofread. Please place your name in the top left hand corner.

It should be two pages long. If it is any shorter, you haven't done your job, and if it is any longer, it means you are trying to do too much.)

To be successful, your explication must include specific references to the story-that means you need to include direct quotes. Remember: Introduce, Quote & Analyze.

Attachment:- A Sorrowful Woman.rar