Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” from one story or book Pick a theme which is interesting to you, a “connection”
Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” from one story or book Pick a theme which is interesting to you, a “connection” you noticed in the story/book, an insight you had about the message the author is trying to get across.
- Country Roads (immigration)
- Family Matters (family dynamics)
- Americana (life in America)
- To Assimilate or Not to Assimilate (is that a question?)
When you write your essay, be careful not to simply summarize what the writer “says” about your chosen theme. Please see the links below to get some ideas about writing about a theme and writing about fiction in general.
In terms of a “thesis” or central idea for your essay, you will need to draw some original “conclusions” or “interpretations” about your chosen theme and writers. You will want to present an idea, focus, or direction that other readers may not have thought about. You can begin with or include an idea mentioned in class, but of course you will want to develop that idea several steps further in your essay. Furthermore, research is not required for this essay; in fact, I’d rather you not do any research at all but instead really focus on and analyze and think about the “primary texts” we’ve read.
In one paragraph in your essay, focus on one aspect of some literary device the author uses in the work. Explain how that author’s use of the literary device helps us understand the work better. Does the author use dialogue to emphasize language barriers? Is the point of view important to the story (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)? How is the story arranged? Etc.
Stories or Books to choose from:
“Mrs. Spring Fragrance” – Sui Sin Far
“Miss Nume of Japan” – Otono Watana
“America is in the Heart”- Carlos Bulosan
“East Goes West”- Younghill Kang
Answer preview for Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” from one story or book Pick a theme which is interesting to you, a “connection”
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