FIQWS: Killer Stories. Writing Seminar.

Fall 2013 Instructor: Jon Udelson Compare & Contrast paper (4-5 pages) Rough draft: due 10/10 (worth 3 points for a complete draft; bring 2 copies) Final draft: due 10/24 (worth up to 12 points) Compare and contrast the effectiveness of character/narrative X with that of character/narrative Y with regard to the theme of Z (this is explained in further detail below; several options are listed below). Which more clearly and/or more powerfully expresses that particular theme? Or, how do the two work in conjunction to create larger effects or messages? In evaluating the narratives, consider how each makes use of the following story-telling elements: characterization, setting, symbolism, plot, dialogue, etc. If necessary, consider also each narratives rising action, climax, and falling action, and how those structural elements help build the narratives effect. There is no objective right or wrong answer to this question. Any stance is valid so long as you argue it well. Thus, your job is to: a) introduce the topic and your approach (introductory exposition), b) choose a stance (which story better expresses the theme) and your reasons for this stance (stance + reasons for it, i.e. subtopics = thesis), c) provide relevant exposition about both sides (relevant here means regarding the project of this paper, i.e. compare & contrast, so you must choose what information is important to include and what can be left out), d) cite examples directly from the text(s) (as well as supplemental texts when necessary), and through the evaluation of significant details (i.e. analysis) both verify and defend your position, and finally e) provide a conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but rather now discusses it in light of the evidence and arguments you crafted. (Remember, it took you the length of your whole paper to reach your conclusion. Dont miss out on the opportunity to use it to say something important!) By the way, there are two standard ways of writing a Compare & Contrast paper: Subject-by-Subject and Point-by-Point. Subject-by-Subject looks to discuss each of the stories in block, one whole story by one whole story. The second method, Pointby-Point, is a bit more complex but also more effective: by this method you discuss the stories together, element by element, by (i) crafting one paragraph to discuss the effectiveness of a single narrative element in one story, and then (ii) the next paragraph to discuss the effectiveness of that narrative element in the next story and, finally, (iii) a group of sentences (perhaps even another paragraph) evaluating the two together. While the Subject-by-Subject method is valid, in my opinion the Point-by-Point method better illustrates the purpose of your paper by always keeping both subjects close together in the readers mind. Of course, there are other ways of structuring your paper aside from these two methods, which you are free to explore Dont worry, we will discuss all of this more thoroughly in class.

You may choose to write on any of the following topics (but choose only one topic):

1) The Cask of Amontillado (Poe). Theme: Vengeance. How does the juxtaposition of Montresor and Fortunato add to the storys overall effect? How are the two characters similar (in their appearances, temperments, social classes, modes of speech, etc) and how are they different? What is the significance of these similarities and differences? And how do their traits, set up for this type of comparison, work together to help the narrative deliver its message? 2) Occurrence (Bierce) & Hanging (Orwell). Theme: Capital punishment. How does each narrator handle the idea of capital punishment? What are the narrators positions/attitudes about the subject? What elements does each narrative on and to what overall effects? Which narrator makes a better case for his position? 3) Jury (Glaspell) & Maria (Porter). Theme: Women and violence. What is the ultimate meaning in both the murderers actions? What is the ultimate meaning in the behavior of the townswomen in each story? From these meanings, which narration gives us a better insight into its respective culture? (What are those insights?) 4) If you have another idea for a Compare & Contrast paper, lets discuss it. If you can convince me that the idea is worth writing about, you may write about it.

Please keep in mind, especially w/r/t options 2 & 3, that one story does not have to be bad for the other to be better. All works discussed in this class were chosen for their literary quality. Thus, arguing something like Bierce fails while Orwell succeeds would be a little silly (unless, of course, you truly believe that). Most likely, rather, youll feel that they both succeed. Your job is simply to discuss which outdoes the other w/r/t to the theme in question.