Assignment – 2
Write an essay in which you analyze the role that setting and character play in driving the plot events
in a fiction story from the Part 2 readings. Poetry or nonfiction will not work for this assignment. The
essay should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion, be 1-2 pages in length, typed, double
spaced, using Times New Roman font, size 12. Please save your essay as a Word document and
submit as an attachment to be graded.
• Choose a story with elements that are clearly or strongly related. For example, you might choose a
story with a plot in which the setting is crucial.
• Analyze the ways in which setting is essential to the plot of the story.
• Analyze the ways in which the main characters are crucial to the arc of the story.
Analysis is the practice of looking closely at small parts to see how they affect the whole. Literary
analysis focuses on how plot, character, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author
to create meaning. Always be sure to discuss the significance of your observations to the theme(s).
Read the story several times. Take notes on its themes, characters, setting, plot, and so on. Be
sure the notes include looking beyond the surface to the deeper meaning the author is trying to
relay. Include how the author’s message and the story’s themes then impact setting, characters,
plot, and so on. Analysis also looks at why the meaning is important.
Introduction (a full paragraph)
Engage your audience with a hook
Include a preview of the main points
Place the thesis statement as your last sentence
Body (each section in full paragraph form)
Balance the general with the specific. Every time you make a claim, follow it up with an example or
illustration, an explanation of the specific elements within that claim, or a concrete point of evidence
that supports that claim.
Conclusion (a full paragraph)
Summarize your main points
End memorably with a thought that will continue to echo in the audience’s mind long after reading the
essay.
Grading Rubric
| Category | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1-0 |
| Introduction | The introduction contains a solid thesis statement, a hook, and a preview of the main points. |
The introduction is sufficient with a thesis statement, a hook, and a preview of the main points, but may need additional development, specificity, and/or avoidance of announcements. |
The introduction is present but may be missing a thesis statement, a hook, a preview of the main points, or is less than a paragraph in length. |
There is a sense of an opening, but elements are missing or underdeveloped. |
| Body | Each body paragraph is fully developed with examples and details. Organization is logical and transitioning is smooth. |
Each body paragraph is fully developed with examples and details. Organization is logical, but smooth transitioning is needed. |
There are areas that need further development through details, examples, or explanation. |
Much more explanation is needed and/or body sections are not fully formed. |
| Conclusion | The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, and ends memorably. |
The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, but the ending lacks strength. |
The ending is present and a full paragraph but neglects to fully tie up the main ideas. |
The ending is less than a full paragraph and neglects to fully tie up the main ideas. |
| Source Support & Academic Integrity |
Credible source support contains excellent depth and detail, and sources used have been cited and referenced. There is no bias present. |
Credible source support is included but could be more fully developed, and any sources used have been cited and referenced. There is no bias present. |
Source support is present but a source or sources are not credible, and/or have not been cited or referenced, or bias is present. |
The essay does not contain credible source support. |
| Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation |
The contains 0-2 errors. | The essay contains 3-4 errors. |
The essay contains 5-6 errors. |
The essay contains more than 6 errors. |
