March 11 class

Class,

Here is this week's writing assignment prompt:

Writing
Mr. Mead
March 8, 2010
Response to Literature essay

The final draft for your Response to Literature essay (“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”) is due on Wednesday, March 11. The essay is worth 30 total points. The essay is to be two pages long, double-spaced, 12-point type, similar to Times Roman, with one-inch margins.

Your essay must include the following:
• Identify the work or works being discussed.
• Supports the writer’s interpretations with precise examples, citations or quotations.
• Is organized clearly and effectively.
• Offers an opinion, a judgment or an evaluation based on close scrutiny or specific elements.

Your essay will include the following strategy. These elements will help you best understand the literature you’re reading.
• Literal level. Include plot, character and setting.
• Personal allusions. Reveal associations or memories this piece of literature brings to mind.
• Themes. Explore the theme or themes revealed in the literature.
• Analysis of literary devices. Explain the ways in which the plot, setting, character and theme work are separate elements, as well as how they work together.
• Literary allusions. Describe other works that have similar elements or that come to mind when you read this work.
• Evaluation. Judge the work based on how well its literary elements combine to create an effective fresh piece of literature.

In order to best present your essay, you must also research the “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” author, Ambrose Bierce. Who was he? When did he live? Where? What other writings is he known for?

Good luck.