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Essay Instructions: Writing Prompt: Create a well-focused analytical essay (5-6 pages) that considers two competing interpretations about a specific textual issue in "The Yellow Wallpaper", in order to make a persuasive argument for the greater value or credibility of the position that you endorse. Essay must be focused around an arguable thesis statement that 1) identifies the two sides of the issue and 2) makes an argument about the significance or usefulness of the interpretation that is supported. In order to engage directly with a "naysayer" or "oppositional" viewpoint to this position, find a piece of literary criticism that has been published in a scholarly journal to represent the other side of the issue in the paper. Evaluate the soundness or value of this dissenting viewpoint on the text before making a "positive" case for interpretation. All observations, claims, and conclusions must be supported by thoughtful analysis of sufficient and appropriate textual evidence from the scholarly journal article and from the literary text.

Suggested Thesis Template:

Although it may seem that _____________, a more precise understanding of the situation is ____________. Understanding this is important because ______________.

Essay Length and Form: 5-6 pages, double-spaced. Essay must be neatly word-processed or typed in a standard manuscript font, double-spaced with one inch margins. Include a Works Cited page, and use in-text citations (MLA 2009 Style).

"The Yellow Wallpaper": http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=GilYell.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=1&division=div1

Essay Instructions: Write a creative response to "The Yellow Wallpaper," The Awakening or "The Open Boat." Choose one of the scenarios below. Write a paragraph Response.
You are John in "The Yellow Wallpaper.' You are writing a letter to your son, who is now eighteen years old, to explain with happened to his mother.


You are John's sister, Jennie. You are talking to John about his wife, trying to get him to alter his treatment methods.

You are about to catch Edna just before she walks into the water. Explain to her why she shouldn't commit suicide.

You are Edna. Instead of leaving nothing behind, you decide to write a suicide letter. What do you say in it?

You are a priest or pastor who meets the correspondent from 'The Open Boat" after he washes up on the beach. Basing what you say on his experiences in the open boat, try to convince him that there was a benevolent God in charge of the universe.

You are a psychologist treating the correspondent when he returns to town after his experiences in 'The Open Boat." Help him find a meaning for existence in the face of an indifferent universe.


There are faxes for this order.

Essay Instructions: IN YOUR OWN WORDS:

write a critical analysis of "The Yellow Wallpaper"

You may access the story at:

http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=GilYell.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=1&division=div1

Essay Instructions: This will be a comparative essay discussing the two short stories "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Gilman and "In The Field" by Tim O'Brian. In assisting me with my research, I would like this paper to focus on the effects and implications of the use of dialogue within both texts. Gilman's story has much interior monologue of her character, and very minimal expressed dialogue. O'Brian's story by contrast has much more of an emphasis on dialogue use. Focus as well on contrasting not just the spoken dialogue, but the unspoken and the unsaid. What effect does this have on the stories themselves, and further what can be gleaned from a broader perspective once (and only once) the comparison between the two stories is made? In other words, why is this comparison important and what does it tell us?

Additionally, you should also consider the question of the psychological as well. Giman's main character is arguably going insane during her prescribed "Rest Cure" from the yellow wallpaper in the room. In O'Brian's story, the soldier who blames himself for Kiowa's death also questions if he is or if he could "lose it" at one point in the story. What can be compared in the two texts with regards to sanity and the psychology of the main characters in each text? Again, what new overlapping message or insight is gleaned by making the comparison and what does it tell us?

In writing this essay be sure to develop an arguable thesis that links these aspects of the two stories together. When structuring the paragraphs, and introducing a quote, use lead in phrases such as "For example," "In addition" and "Furthermore" and follow the quote with commentary on its significance.

* Use standard margins
* Use a minimum of 8 (eight) quotes throughout the paper devoting equal time to each story and idea discussed. You can use more quotes if appropriate.
*If possible (and to keep quotes and evidence consistent) use the versions of the texts that are printed in the Heath Anthologies. ISBN #'s of Heath Anthologies are below.

Gilman 2995 (Volume C)
O'Brian 3015 (Volume E)

Otherwise use resources available and I will find the corresponding quotes in the volumes during my writing.

*Two sources listed above should only be source texts themselves. Do not bring in additional sources other than the two stories discussed.

Any questions on the above, feel free to e-mail.