Write an essay that discusses the growth and change of Mathilde from “The Necklace” or Squeaky from “Raymond’s Run.” Be sure to discuss the following questions in your essay:
What is the character like at the beginning of the story?
What is she like at the end?
What causes her to change?
What lessons does she learn?
Use specific quotations from the story to support your ideas.
Pre-writing: In order to make your first draft writing easier, you will organize your ideas and choose your quotations before you begin writing. Create a character map for Mathilde or Squeaky and find at least two important characteristics that change in the character. For each trait, find a quotation that supports it and write down the information on the character map. You should have a total of 4 traits and 4 quotations. See class notes for more information.
First draft: For this first formal essay, please follow the steps below. In the future, you may organize your own essays, but for now please use my outline. This format will help to prevent you from summarizing. Do not re-tell the story, analyze how the character has changed. Summaries will earn lower grades. You should aim for a two page minimum. Most of you will write about three pages. (When you type your essay, please double space and print using a standard font, 12 point size.)
I. Introduce the topic. What is the title and author of the short story, who is the character you are describing, how has the character changed? (one paragraph)
II. Describe the character's personality and actions at the beginning of the story. (At least two traits and one quotation to support each trait.) (two paragraphs)
III. Describe the character at the end of the story. Make sure this description is connected to the initial description. (At least two traits and two quotations). (two paragraphs)
IV. Explain what makes the character change. How does a specific event affect the growth and change of the character? (one paragraph)
V. Conclusion: Does the character change for the better? Does s/he learn something? Express your opinion. Work theme into this paragraph. (one paragraph)