Analysis on Kates Chopin’s short stories

Instructions:

Write an analysis of Kate Chopin’s short stories. Think in terms of gender, class, ethnicity, language and power. You may use a character, a theme, a structure or any other device you see fit but you must address two of the following: gender, class, ethnicity, language and power.

RUBRIC:

You may already have your own style of writing, processing and organizing information. Nevertheless the following rubric is intended to provide structure and aid in the writing process if necessary:

1. Title of paper in the center; it should foreshadow the thesis or argument. Name, date and number of pages and words upper left corner. Include page numbers. Double space.

2. It is a good idea to begin with a general idea regarding the topic and then move to your specific topic. Here is where you want to catch the reader’s attention.

3. Specific topic, thesis that is being explored within the paper. Brief and concise overview of theoretical approach used in paper (feminism, postcolonial, decolonial, etc) and its connection to your argument, thesis if you are using one. Break your argument into smaller points if necessary. This will help you organize your argument into paragraphs later on.

4. Plot summary of novel or work, issue–very concise. Say biographical info on author and relevance but keep it brief.

5. Paraphrase in your own words. Do not use block quotations. Keep quotations to a minimum and make sure they are integrated within your own words as part of a sentence.

6. You do need quotations. Quotations are your evidence. Give examples –quotations– from primary text or visual or from outside sources that support your argument. They must be integrated within your own words as part of a sentence. Do not leave quotations on their own, explain them in relation to the points you raise in your argument, but use them sparingly. Instead paraphrase and explicate in your own words without only summarizing or repeating what the writer said, be as analytical as you are able. Explain in relation to your arguments and its impact to the wider society. Typically each point you make has a paragraph or two where you explain the issue and give analysis.

7. Use outside sources’ information to support the points you are making and not the other way around. Paraphrasing is also necessary with the proper parenthetical citation; you may also use a quotation but keep it short and follow the same advice as point 6.

8. Conclusion. In the conclusion summarize the major takeaways and say what the take home message is.

9. Include a list of works cited using the MLA style of citation. No need to add a separate page.