Final Exam – Analytical Essay
Final Exam – Analytical Essay
For the final exam, you are to write a short analytical essay on one short story (or the novella, The Metamorphosis) we’ve read for the course (your choice). Your essay should be structured exactly like the template below. The essay should be analytical in nature and not just a summary, and the body paragraphs should give information about each element and its relation to the central idea. Essays that use textual evidence – quotes – will receive better grades; all quotes should have a corresponding parenthetical citation and Works Cited entry. (Note: Introductions tend to not use textual evidence – you can reserve quotes for the body paragraphs.) Essays that lack or have incorrect MLA-style citations will lose points.
Length Requirement: At least 1000 words
The Final Exam is worth 100 points and will make up 20% of your overall grade.
Structure of Analytical Essay:
Introduction should clearly indicate the title and author, as well as the identity of the central character. Only key events of the story should be presented, and the thesis should be in the form of a complete sentence.
Paragraph 2 should discuss the central character and any important minor characters. Identify the central character’s beginning key trait and ending key trait, and indicate whether the character is static or dynamic.
Paragraph 3 should discuss the central conflict and any important minor conflicts. Specify the central conflict of the story, which should be an internal conflict. Indicate the climax of the story and its outcome.
Paragraph 4 should discuss the setting of the story. Identify the time and place of the setting, and then indicate the importance or function of the setting. Does the setting influence the actions of the central character? Does the setting serve as a conflict for the central character? Is the setting symbolic?
Paragraph 5 should discuss the point of view of the story. Identify the specific type of point of view used in the story. If the point of view is first-person or third-person limited, identify the narrator or narrative focus. Point out the sensibilities or function of the point of view. Why did the author choose this point of view? What does this point of view add to the story? Is the point of view reliable?
Paragraph 6 should discuss the use of figurative language in the story. Does the author use symbolism, irony, or allusion to enhance the meaning of the story? Are other elements of the story used in a symbolic or ironic way? Be sure to explain the symbols, ironies, or allusions. Do not simply list them.
Paragraph 7 should discuss the dominant tone of the story. Identify the dominant tone. Identify and discuss at least two elements most instrumental in achieving that tone.
Paragraph 8 is the conclusion of the essay. The conclusion should restate the thesis in a general manner and elaborate on the central idea. The conclusion should also include some evaluative comments on the quality of the story.
