Writing Assignment
Comparing and Contrasting Two Short Stories
Assignment Introduced:
Assignment Rough Draft due:
Assignment Final due:
October 02, 2013
October 04, 2013
October 10, 2013
Your Assignment
1)
Students are to read The Monkey's Paw and The Third Wish. We have read these stories
in class. They are also available on my website in their entirety, in case you would like to
re-read at home.
2)
Students are to write a compare and contrast essay of the two stories.
3)
The paper is to be no less than five, and no more than seven paragraphs.
4)
A rough draft is mandatory and is due October 04, 2013. On this day, a peer editing
session will occur in class.
5)
The final paper, with all editing complete, is due October 10, 2013.
6)
The rough draft will be written in pencil.
7)
The final paper can be written or typed.
a) If written, it must be in either blue or black ink.
b) If typed, the following parameters must be met:
8)

12- point Times New Roman font

1- inch margins on the top, bottom and sides

Double Spaced

Paragraphs indented one tab

No word art and no extra images

One return between paragraphs
The paper will have a title page.
9)
The paper will have two creative/ artistic elements.
a)
Students will create a collage of images that represent both stories. This collage
will be created on 8.5x11 copy paper. The collage will be divided in half, with
images from The Monkey's Paw on the left side, and then images from The Third
Wish on the right. You will creatively display the name and author of each story
on the appropriate side of the collage.
b)
Students will create a visually appealing Venn Diagram on 8.5 x 11.0 paper that
will display the elements of both stories. The outer circles of the Venn Diagram
will show what elements make each story unique, and in the center of the Venn
Diagram, elements each story shares. You must have at least ten differences
displayed for each story and at least four similarities displayed. You will choose
only three of the elements outlined in your Venn Diagram to compare and
contrast.
10)
The paper will have a bibliography, where you will properly site both short stories from
the big red text book.
11)
Grading will be based on the enclosed rubric.
12)
All work is to be done on standard loose leaf paper or standard copy paper. No work is to
have ragged edges. Pride of authorship is very important.
How to structure your paragraphs:
How to submit your final paper:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Title Page
Final paper, edited and free of errors
Bibliography
Rough Draft
Peer Editing Sheet
Collage
Venn Diagram
Grading Rubric
Assemble using one staple in the upper left hand corner. There are to be no binders.
(Title Page Sample)
Comparing and Contrasting The Monkey's Paw and The Third Wish
Mr. Lee
Block 1,2,3,5
October 02, 2013
Comparing and Contrasting The Monkey's Paw and The Third Wish
Have you read the two short stories, "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Third Wish"? A
compare and contrast of these two stories shows that they both are similar and different in
several ways. For example, when compared, both incorporate a similar motif. A motif is a story
theme that has been found in literature across time and throughout different cultures. Some
examples of motifs include villains, evil stepmothers, a forbidden door, and, as is the case of the
two stories mentioned above, the number three, or three wishes. In contrast, both "The Monkey's
Paw" and "The Third Wish" have very different moods, which, in literature, is the prevailing
atmosphere or feeling the author creates for a story. Comparing and contrasting motif and mood
will allow readers to better understand these two literary devices, or terms.
Both of these stories used the 3- wishes motif; however, they are used in different ways.
There are also different consequences connected to each wish. For example, In “The Monkey’s
Paw”, Mr. White wishes for 200 British Pounds to pay off his mortgage. The consequence is that
the wish cost his son his life. With the second wish, the White’s wish their son to come back
from the grave. The consequence here is that the son, Herbert, would almost certainly be in a
zombie state of decay because he had been dead and buried for ten days. With the third wish, Mr.
White realizes they can never have their son back as they wanted, so he wished his son to go
back to the grave. The consequence, thus, being, the White’s will forever be lonely and without
the son they loved so dearly.
In “The Third Wish,” Mr. Peters is granted three wishes from the King of the Forest.
Longing for a companion, Mr. Peters asks for a wife. The King transforms a swan into Mr.
Peters' companion and she is named, Leita. The consequence is Leita becomes terribly sad and
depressed because she misses her life as a swan and she misses her swan family. Mr. Peters
loves Leita and hates to see her depressed, so he uses his second wish to turn Leita back into a
swan. The consequence here is that Mr. Peters will once again be lonely. Finally, Mr. Peters
chooses not to use his third wish; therefore, he chooses to be alone the rest of his life.
The moods of both stories contrast greatly. The mood in “The Monkey’s Paw” is very
dark, menacing, scary, suspenseful and horrific. On the contrary, “The Third Wish” has a
romantic, whimsical, pastoral and pleasant mood. In fact, "The Third Wish" is not scary, at all.
Furthermore, both stories deal with the death of a character, but the death is represented
differently in each story. In "The Monkey's Paw", Herbert suffers a horrific death that is a direct
by-product of Mr. White's first wish for 200 British Pounds. Herbert's body is mangled from his
fall into machinery and he is in a zombie state when he is wished alive again. You can infer his
soul is in turmoil and agony by the way he violently bangs on the front door of his house. On the
other hand, in "The Third Wish", Mr. Peters dies serenely of old age. It is obvious his soul is
quite content as he passes away with a smile on his face. Further evidence of contentment is
proven because Mr. Peters never uses his third wish. He dies holding his third wish "leaf".
When compared to each other, "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Third Wish" utilize motif,
mood and death in different ways. However, both stories center on the consequences that can
occur when wishing for things you do not have. The underlying message is to be satisfied with
what you have and do not tempt fate.
Bibliography
"The Monkey's
Paw"
Venn
Diagram
1.
9.
2.
3.
10.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
9.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
"The Third Wish"
10.
The Peer Editing Sheet will go next.
Peer Editor's NAME:
DATE:
BLOCK:
PEER RESPONSE SHEET (Write on back should you need more space.)
Author of paper:
Title of paper:
1)
List some of your reactions to reading this piece for the first time:
2)
Did the author meet the paragraph number requirement?
YES
NO
3)
Does the writing keep you interested? (Circle One)
SORT OF
Reason for your answer?
YES
NO
4)
List two details or examples that interest you:
5)
Did the author include a Venn Diagram and follow it as assigned?
SORT OF
If no, what elements are missing?
YES
NO
6)
Can you follow the time or order of the events or situations easily? (Give Examples)
7)
What should the writer definitely keep in his or her finished draft?
8)
What, if anything, should the writer throw out or revise?
9)
Quote, or note your favorite sentence, point or idea:
10)
Are there any places where you are confused? (Give Examples on back)
11)
Any further comments or suggestions?
Compare & Contrast Essay Rubric
Remember to attach this rubric to the back of your essay!
Student Name: ________________________________________
Total Score/Grade _________/100
Block:___________
Attachments
Rough Draft &
(20 points)
Peer Response Sheets- 5 points ____
Venn Diagram/Collage- 5 points
____
Paper Meets Deadline- 10 points ____
CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION
The internal structure of
the essay.
20 - A
The introduction is inviting,
and includes an effective
"hook". The conclusion is
clear. Topic sentences for
each paragraph is clear and
understandable. Essay
follows Venn Diagram as
assigned.
16 - B/C
Effective lead and
conclusion, although
not original.
Sequencing works
well, well-controlled
pacing, smooth flow.
Venn Diagram not
followed.
14 - C/D
Ineffective lead and
conclusion, Pacing
awkward, some
attempt at structure.
Venn Diagram not
followed.
12 - D/F
No lead, no
conclusion,
sequencing not
present, no
awareness of
pacing, hard to
follow. Venn
Diagram not
followed.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
The way the words and
phrases flow throughout
the text
Polished rhythm, cadence,
and flow, creative used of
sentence length and
structure, invites expressive
reading, sentences enhance
meaning
Attempts compound,
complex sentences,
sentences usually
connect, sentences
begin in different ways
Some simple
sentences,
occasional
connecting word
use, attempts
variation in sentence
beginnings
Choppy, rambling or
incomplete, no
"sentence sense",
oral reading not
possible, repetitive
beginnings.
WORD CHOICE
The way the writer
brings the topic to life
Effective and creative verbs
and nouns. Wording is mostly
correct. Words and phrases
work well.
Some active nouns
and precise nouns. A
moment or two of
spark. Words begin to
enhance meaning.
Generally correct
words, but no spice.
Language is
functional. Words
convey general
meaning.
Vocabulary is
limited. Simple
words used
incorrectly. Words do
not convey meaning.
CATEGORY
CONVENTIONS
The mechanical
conventions of the
piece.
10 - A
Spelling correct even on
difficult words, accurate and
creative use of punctuation
and capitalization, grammar
and usage contribute to
clarity and style, Sound and
creative paragraphing
8 - B/C
Few spelling errors
even on more difficult
words, consistent use
of punctuation and
capitalization,
grammar errors
infrequent, consistent
paragraphing
6 - C/D
Spelling errors on
easy words, errors
on basic punctuation
and capitalization,
some usage and
grammar errors,
occasional use of
paragraphing
4 - D/F
Spelling errors
impede readability,
incorrect punctuation
and capitalization,
many grammar
errors, lack of
paragraphing
PRESENTATION
the overall appearance
of the work
12 size font, double spacing,
1 inch margins, Times New
Roman font, correct tabbing
at the beginning of each
paragraph. Overall
appearance is pleasing. All
requirements present & in
the correct order.
Did not double space
or use correct font.
Overall appearance
is unacceptable.
One or more
requirements are
missing. Work out
of order.