Short Fiction

In this paper, you will do a comparative analysis of two short stories, focusing on the element of
character. Choose two characters: one from a story that you were assigned to read for this class
and another from a story in our textbook that you were not assigned to read.  Compare the two characters,
noting their similarities and differences, and then craft an argument that makes an argumentative
claim about this comparison. n. Here are some examples of what your thesis might sound like for a
paper like this
Example 1: Though they are separated by time and cultural differences, both Mrs. Mallard in
Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour and the mother in Judith Ortiz Cofers Volar long for
freedom from their regular lives.
Example 2: Though they might seem to have nothing in common, Aylmer from Nathaniel
Hawthornes The Birthmark and Miss Emily Grierson from William Faulkners A Rose for
Emily share one terrible characteristic: they both use extreme measures to try and create a
perfect relationship.
Note that these sample thesis statements dont just say these things have similarities and also
have differences: that would not be an argumentative claim. Its merely a statement of fact.
Sources
The only required sources for this paper are the two short stories you choose from the book, and
both should be included on the Works Cited Page. You may include secondary sources if you
wish, but if you do, they must be cited correctly in the essay and included on the Works Cited
Page.
Requirements
The paper should be at least 1,000 words long and formatted according to MLA style rules. Use
Times New Roman font, 12-point size. Margins should be one-inch. All papers must be double spaced.

Two stories:  A Rose for Emily, The Story of an Hour