family, betrayal, duty

family, betrayal, duty

Essay 2 – Theme Analysis with Secondary Source Support
1. Read one of the reading selections listed on the homework sheet.
2. Write an essay examining how elements of literature (such as point of view, setting, style,
characters, speaker, situation, symbols, and/or plot) contribute to the meaning (theme).
The essay does not have to cover all elements; for example, the essay could examine how
the imagery and symbolism in a particular selection contribute to the theme.
3. Audience: Write for an audience that has read the work, but has not studied the work in
depth. Your audience is not solely your instructor. Write for an audience of your
classmates or peers.

4. Thesis/Purpose: Develop a strong thesis statement that relates to the theme, or message of
the reading seelction, and makes a claim. Remember your thesis should be the last
sentence of your introduction. Remember that a theme is broader than a word.
“Boundaries,” in itself, is not a theme. Instead, the theme has to express an opinion about
boundaries. What would the reading material reveal about boundaries/borders or help you
to understand about boundaries or overcoming boundaries?
5. In the introduction, make sure you use the author’s name and the title of the reading
selection. Use an introductory technique to draw readers into the essay.
6. CLAIM: In the body, make a strong argument to back up your claim. Use secondary
claims as topic sentences (do not use plot details as topic sentences). Make sure each
body paragraph has a clear topic sentence.
7. EVIDENCE: Use examples and specific details from the story to back up your topic
sentences. You should use at least two quotes from the reading selection (primary
source) in each body paragraph.
8. REASONING/ANALYSIS: Explain your reasoning, showing how the details/evidence
support your claim.
9. Use the provided secondary source to support claims in your story (the secondary
sources have been posted in Blackboard). The secondary source should be used at least
four times in the essay (two quotes and two paraphrases).
10. The secondary source should be integrated in the essay with signal phrases, in-text
citations and a correct entry on the Works Cited page. Ideally, as we progress toward the
Essay 3, claims (topic sentences) will have two different secondary sources that discuss
(support or refute) the claim. For Essay 2, only one secondary source is needed.
11. Document information you have borrowed correctly using MLA style and include a
Works Cited page. For this essay, the short story and the provided secondary source will
be used. DO NOT USE any secondary sources from other sources. Use of secondary
sources other than those provided and without instructor consent will result in a lower
grade. Upcoming assignments will discuss integration of quotes from the short story and
correct documentation. Failure to document sources is plagiarism and results in failure of
the assignment.
12. End the paper with a strong conclusion. Use an emphatic final sentence.
13. Use powerful words, sentences and paragraphs. The essay should be written formally and
remain in third person. (No first person “I” or second person “you”).
14. Use transitional words to improve the essay’s flow and coherence.
15. MLA Headers: In the upper left corner of the first page put your name, instructor’s name,
class number and section, and the date. On succeeding pages, list your name and the page
number in the upper right-hand corner. A sample MLA page is located in the IVCC
Stylebook.
16. Include an academic title that suggests the content of your essay. Do not simply use the
title of the short story.
17. Length: 1,500 words minimum before the Works Cited page using MLA style, margins.
Type the essay double-spaced.
Tentative due dates:
• Initial draft due: midnight Wednesday, June 15
• Peer review completed by midnight Friday, June 17.
• Final draft due: midnight Sunday, June 19