L I T E R A R Y
A N A L Y S I S
Short Story Essay
Prompt
Choose one of the following prompts to
respond to in a complete essay.
Your response must be at least 4 solid
paragraphs: an intro, conclusion and a
minimum of two body paragraphs.
Choose the story you want to
use…
Over the last couple of weeks you have been reading a variety
of stories. Your job now is to write a complete essay on a
literary prompt. This is a summative essay so it will be in the
category worth 60% of your grade, so make sure you put your
best effort into it. The rubric is attached to this handout. I will
be scoring you based on Content, Organization, Style and
Conventions.
Due Dates
Outline
Final Draft
12/18/14
Must be complete:
thesis, supporting
claims, and
evidence with
1/5/15
Must be typed and
ready to turn in at
the beginning of
class.
1) How does the irony in “Cask of
Amontillado” develop the
characterization of Montresor and lead
the reader to an understanding of
theme?
2) How does the use of irony in “Gift of
the Magi” illuminate the theme?
3) Identify a significant stylistic
element in “The Stolen Party” and
analyze its contribution to theme.
4) How does the irony in “The Lottery”
manipulate the reader’s expectations
and lead to an understanding of the
theme?
5) Identify a significant stylistic element
in your chosen short story, and explain
its connection to a theme.
Content
Organization
Level 4: Exceeds Standard (90100%)
A. Focus is narrow and
concentrated throughout the
paper and centered on a thesis
that responds to given prompt.
B. Supporting claims/reasons are
significant; fully support the
thesis/position.
C. Evidence is significant, specific
and precise; uses combination
of
details/examples/facts/anecd
otes to fully support
thesis/reasons; clarifies.
Includes lead ins to quotes and
paraphrases.
D. Commentary/Explanation
clearly explains the
significance/connection of the
evidence to the main
point/thesis in order to help
the reader understand.
Level 4: Exceeds Standard
(90-100%)
A. Introduction begins with
an effective intro strategy
and clearly leads reader
to thesis.
B. Body Paragraphs are
tightly and purposefully
arranged in a cohesive
way, building on each
other and leading the
reader to a full
understanding of the
thesis.
C. Transitions intentionally
signal/imply
connections throughout
the text (between/
within-paragraphs).
D. Conclusion signals a
thought-provoking and
insightful wrap-up that
tightly connects to the
thesis and body of the
paper. Uniquely uses
one or more conclusion
strategies.
Level 3: At Standard (8089%)
A. Introduction begins with
an introduction strategy
and then leads to the
thesis/position.
B. Body Paragraphs are
arranged in a logical
Level 3: At Standard (80-89%)
A. Focus is maintained on the
thesis that responds to the
prompt given.
B. Supporting claims/reasons are
relevant and support the
thesis/position.
2
C. Evidence is relevant and