For this three-paragraph paper, you will analyze one of the stories from the reading lists (do not use poetry). For all papers, please follow the guidelines discussed above. The final draft must incorporate at least two direct quotes from the story using MLA documentation and include a Works Cited.
Use the following outline to help you organize your essay.
Introduction: Give the title of the story and the author’s full name, write a brief plot summary to include the story’s climax (the moment of great intensity that brings events to a head, leading to the conclusion), and state the central idea — the dominant impression, the universal, generic truth found in the story. In this class, the central idea should be the final sentence of your introduction. Also, when discussing the action in works of fiction, always use the present verb tense.
Body Paragraph: Describe and analyze the setting, both physical and cultural. Explain how the setting contributes to the central idea of the story. Give examples from the story.
Conclusion: First person is okay in the conclusion only. You can reiterate the central idea, discuss how you can relate to the story, etc. Just make sure that you use proper logic and grammar.
Works Cited
The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine your central idea and the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track.
Please use the third person point of view (optional in the conclusion) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a central idea in the last sentence of the introduction, topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express the assigned element connected to the central idea, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts, provide examples from the stories, and give credit to sources. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences.
The Things they carried
The Things they carried
Tim O’ Brien
This tale is about the psychological challenges soldiers experience during war. The author recounts how these obstacles disrupt their attention in the war which leads to loss of life, such as the death of Ted Lavender. During this period the soldiers made a solemn vow to stay alert on the battlefield, regardless of the challenges they are facing.
The book illustrates the essential things that military men carry when on a mission. “As a first lieutenant and platoon leader, Jimmy Cross carried a compass, maps, codebooks, binoculars and .45 caliber pistol that weighed 2.9pounds fully loaded” (Tim 369). This narrative’s central theme is the determination, perseverance, and selflessness of the soldiers to fight for their country regardless of all the emotional burdens they experience.
This story occurred during the height of ravaging wars. Most of the soldiers have distinct cultures, values ingrained in their army principles and codes of ethics. These values gave them a sense of comfort and peace. “Ted Lavender carried 6or 7 ounces of premium dope, which for him was a necessity” (Tim 367). The ongoing wars prompted the soldiers to persevere through the difficult times and fight fiercely to protect the national territories.
In summary, this novel offers in-depth analysis of the survival tools, soldiers used to adapt to the new environment when on a mission. Everyday soldiers put their lives in danger to protect the welfare of their nation. Therefore, I genuinely connect with the author as he recounts the predicaments soldiers endure in the war zone. Living in a country that annually deploys soldiers overseas, I relate with the writer’s sorrow as I have witnessed the reality of emotional burden.
Works Cited
Tim, O’Brien. Things I carried. New York: Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd, 1994.
