course materials

1. Write an essay that identifies a major theme in either Carter’s “The
Company of
Write an essay that identifies a major theme in either Carter’s “The Company of Wolves”,
Carver’s “Cathedral” (found in Charters, though not on our reading list), Faulkner’s “That
Evening Sun” (also not on our reading list), or Updike’s “A & P”. Then show how relevant
elements of fiction (e.g., character, setting, point of view, symbolism, tone, style, irony, etc.)
contribute to the story’s development of that theme.Be sure not to confuse the story’s
subjects with its themes. Subjects can be identified by single words or short phrases: e.g.,
marriage, revenge, lawlessness, homoeroticism, etc. A theme, however, is an implicit
argument that a literary work makes about a particular subject, typically stated in a
sentence. (See below for a sample paper from a previous semester.)**Please make sure not
to choose a theme that is too general and that can be applied to any story. An example
would be: “All actions have consequences”. As we learn in our lesson on plot, one definition
of plot is a series of actions with consequences. Therefore most of the stories we read will
involve characters whose actions lead to consequences.Guidelines:It’s often helpful to start
by brainstorming a list of subjects the work is concerned with. From there, you can focus on
one that interests you or seems particularly important. Ask yourself: what argument does
the story seem to be making about this particular subject? The answer you come up with
should serve as your thesis statement.Aim for some nuance/complexity in your theme. Part
of the point here is to look beyond the obvious. Accordingly, make sure the theme you come
up with isn’t a cliché. If you think the main theme of “The Company of Wolves” is “beware of
strangers”, you need to push harder.Assume that your reader is familiar with the story and
doesn’t need a plot summary. Keep descriptions of what happens to a minimum and focus
instead on analyzing the significance of the writer’s choices with regard to character,
setting, point of view, symbols, style, tone, irony, etc. (do not attempt to discuss all of these
elements, only those that help support your argument).Provide carefully chosen quotes
from the story as evidence for your thesis. Integrate these smoothly into your own writing
and cite using MLA format.* This means any quote should be followed by the page number
on which it is found in your text. (Note: it is not necessary to include a Works Cited page for
the papers you write in this class, since we will all be working from the same text.)You may
build on points made in class discussion, but you should not consult any additional outside
sources for this paper.Begin your essay with a descriptive, attention-grabbing title and an
interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement that specifies what theme you think

2. the story is supporting without saying, “I will discuss character, setting, and point of view in
order to argue that a main theme in the story is…” Avoid using personal pronouns in your
essay (i.e. “I/you”)Note: the title is mostly for fun and to give you an opportunity to be
creative. You will not gain/lose points based on the title.*For this assignment, since you are
only discussing one story it will not be necessary to include the author’s name in your
citations. So, for example your citation should be formatted with the page number only, in
parentheses, following the quote. Do not include “p.” for “page”, just the number only. Here
is an example of how a quotation from Carver might appear:Carver writes, “I remembered
having read somewhere that the blind didn’t smoke because, as speculation had it, they
couldn’t see the smoke they exhaled” (127.)Length and format: Minimum of 3 full pages
(750 – 1000 words), double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1” margins on
all sides. Upload this into the course shell under Course Home, “Short Paper 1.”Due: Sunday
February 19that midnight (uploaded as a .doc or.docx file into the course shell. It will be
reviewed by Turnitin to prevent plagiarism)Be sure to review Rutgers policy on academic
integrity at https://nbprovost.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity-studentsRubric for Short
EssaysArgument and Focus: (25 pts):Paper fits the parameters of the assignment. It
includes a thesis statement that gives focus to the entire analysis, reflecting the originality
and thoughtfulness of the writer’s main idea about the text under consideration. This thesis
should present a logically sound argument, reflect an accurate reading of basic plot points
or other indisputable textual details, display the author’s awareness of the text’s complexity,
and acknowledge evidence that might contradict it. The writer goes beyond common or
obvious observations. All of the paper’s main points relate back clearly to the
thesis.Development: Depth of Thought / Analysis (25 pts):The paper includes relevant,
quality details from the primary text that provide readers with important and accurate
information; it offers clear, full explanations of textual interpretations that support and/or
develop the writer’s key ideas. The paper meets the page requirement without evidence of
repetition and/or textual summary.Organization and Clarity (25 pts.):The essay includes a
compelling and effective introductory paragraph. It also follows a logical paragraph
arrangement and includes effective paragraph transitions. The essay includes a clear and
compelling concluding paragraph that reinforces the thesis and goes a little beyond it to
leave the reader with something new to think about. In addition to having a logical overall
organization, the paper demonstrates clarity and coherence at the paragraph and sentence
levels as well.Specifications, Mechanics, and Style (25 pts):The paper follows essay
specifications as outlined on directions (i.e. margins, double-spaced, etc). The writer
effectively integrates quotations into the essay. The paper is free of mechanical errors
(grammar, word usage, punctuation, typos, etc.). It clearly and accurately cites pages for all
quotes. The paper is written in an engaging style that demonstrates fluency in stylistic
flourishes (subordination, active voice, variation of sentence length and structure,
interesting and appropriate vocabulary, inclusion of verbs other than forms of “to be,” etc.).
It discusses literature consistently in the present tense.Sample Paper:sample paper
1.docx**Note that the author discusses argument the story makes about the subject of
female innocence.