Directions: Close read Daphne du Maurier’s story, “The Birds,” and compose an essay that:
Analyzes the struggles of Nat Hocken. Why is so much of the story describing his efforts to survive? What motivates him to make the choices he does? Closely examine this character.
Closely analyze the final line of the story? What analysis or insights can you provide?
Analyzes the central symbol of the birds. What do they represent? What symbolic meaning or value do they have? What argument or commentary is the author making about society, humanity, or the human condition?
Ways to proceed and ideas to consider: First, I would advise you to read the story several times, taking notes and marking up the text. Be an active reader and utilize the skills we discussed in class. Also, take time to organize your essay and select textual proof to defend your positions. Don’t linger over basic plot, as that isn’t the focus of the essay. You are crafting an argument, taking a position on the story that you believe is intellectually important. Textual support is important, and integrating direct quotes will help your argument. However, you shouldn’t over quote, making your paper read as though it simply moves from one piece of text to the next. Finally, you do not have to follow the chronological pattern of the story in your analysis. In fact, I find this often leads to needless plot explanation. Choose the parts of the story that are necessary to defend your argument.
Checklist for a successful essay. Does the essay have:
An engaging, interesting opening paragraph. Don’t go straight to the story. Capture your reader’s attention first.
A clear, well-written, effective thesis statement/claim.
A brief (very brief!) overview of the story including ALL key information: author’s full name, title of the story, date of publication. This should come early in the story.
Focused, developed paragraphs
Clear, grammatically correct, and sophisticated sentences.
Vivid, sophisticated, and appropriate language, avoiding slang and cliché expressions.
Smooth transitions and connections between ideas and between paragraphs.
An effective conclusion that doesn’t simply restate what has already been discussed in the paper.
Final Reminders:
Use the text to back up your claims, but don’t over quote.
Always discuss literature in the present tense.
Avoid 1st person “I” (although I will allow it in your opening)
Do not consult ANY outside research for this paper (except for your introduction, where I will allow it, as long as it is documented and cited in your works cited page.)
Criteria for evaluation: This essay should be typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted, and about 4-5 pages in length. You should have a works cited page although it does not count toward your page requirement.
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