Keshishyan
English
Essay Prompt
Aberration
According to scholar Bibhudutt Dash, “Aberration connotes a lapse in or a deviation from the acceptable
behavioral or societal norms. From a psychological or sexual perspective it might relate to deviant
behaviors prompted by psychical responses to a variety of stimuli, both pleasant and obnoxious. At most,
such behaviors may be beyond explanations; hence mysterious or indecipherable.”
Guy De Maupassant’s “An Adventure in Paris” follows the aberration of the lawyer’s wife, who longs for
an escape from her routine to an experience of chic showiness. After her adventure, however, she throws
herself onto her bed and cries. Needless to say, her adventure does not turn out the way she had planned.
Think about all the symbolism in this story: the title, Paris, and Jean Varin, What do they represent for the
lawyer’s wife?
In a carefully constructed 2-3-page essay, discuss the lawyer’s wife’s adventure and what you
believe she ultimately learns. What is the epiphany she has at the end?
Before You Begin
1. Read the text closely several times. Focus on the ideas that are being presented. Think about the characters’ development
and the author’s writing technique. What might be considered interesting, unusual, or important?
2. Brainstorm a list of potential topics. Take notes on important passages in the text. When writing the paper, these notes
should help you remember which aspects of the story caught your attention and guide you toward developing an argument
about the story’s theme. While we will discuss all readings in class, your essay should express your unique perspective and
interpretation.
3. Read Scholarship and Literary Criticism of the work. visit the Library website for research (optional for English 21)
(http://www.lamission.edu/library/.
Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Must be 2-3 pages
Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font in Times New Roman
1 inch margins all around
MLA format
Must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion and demonstrate the ability to
write an effective thesis statement
6. Final packet must have this prompt, the final draft, the first and second draft, and the peer review
sheets
DUE DATES:
First Draft:
Second Draft:
FINAL DRAFT DUE: