Read the 2 stories “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates and a small, good thing by Raymond Carver Use at least TWO secondary sources (whether you quote them directly or par

Read the 2 stories “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates and a small, good thing by Raymond Carver

Use at least TWO secondary sources (whether you quote them directly or paraphrase). WEBSITES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE SOURCES FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. Use articles from Library

WHAT THE PAPER IS GOING TO BE ABOUT:

These to article above have dealt with the relationships between human beings and how connected or disconnected the characters are with each other. Compare two stories in which this theme of connectedness or disconnectedness plays a role. What helps or allows the characters to connect with each other? What prevents characters from connecting? Discuss at least two elements of fiction that the authors use effectively to develop their themes.

minimum of 3 complete pages MLA format for everything 

EXAMPLE: How I want the paper to be (more instruction)

1. Thesis statement: The paper should have a specific, focused, and effectively-worded thesis statement.

poor thesis statement: Jones’s and Smith’s use of the tree as a symbol in their poems is both similar and different. (unfocused and non-specific).

effective thesis: While Jones and Smith both use the tree as a symbol of knowledge, Jones presents the tree as knowledge that improves mankind, and Smith presents the tree as knowledge that leads mankind into evil.

2. Organization: An essay is comprised of an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. Ideas which support the thesis should be divided into logical paragraphs and presented in a logical order. You will find it helpful to begin with an outline of your essay.

3. Content: I will be looking for ideas and insights which show college-level thinking. Also, I will be looking for the use of lines from the stories which support the opinions you assert about the works. Use your own ideas as well as the secondary sources: a good essay is not a patchwork quilt of critics’ words. Instead of piecing together the words of the critics, use critics to back up your own opinions, or argue against the critics’ opinions. When you borrow the words of critics or any secondary sources, give them credit by citing their words or ideas within the text of your paper. For this assignment, two secondary sources are sufficient.

example of direct quote: One critic states that the tree in Smith’s poem “recalls the Tree of Knowledge from the biblical story of the Garden of Evil: it both opens up new possibilities and brings other possibilities to an irrevocable end” (Allen 52).

example of paraphrase: One critic feels that the tree in Smith’s poem is similar to the Tree of Knowledge that appears in the bible because it offers greater knowledge, but it also puts an end to an easier, more childlike life (Allen 52).

4. Grammar and Mechanics: Be sure to proofread and edit your paper. The effective paper will not contain significant grammatical errors, spelling errors, or typos. Follow MLA guidelines for formatting your title page, the text of your paper, and the Works Cited. If you need help with your writing, make use of the Learning Lab online tutoring or meet with me during my office hours.