Essay #2: Prose Fiction ENG 102
Essay – Prose Fiction: Prose is a form of language that has no formal metrical
structure. It applies a natural flow of speech and ordinary grammatical structure rather
than rhythmic structure (Literarydevices).
Prose fiction is an imaginary story, usually written down, that someone tells in everyday,
natural language (Wisegeek).
Assignment: Write a research-based analytical essay. Choose from one of the
following short stories discussed in class:
Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”•
John Steinbeck’s “Chrysanthemums”•
William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”•
Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path”•
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”•
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”•
Title: Your essay must include a creative title, something more than Essay #2 or Prose
Fiction Essay.
Thesis: The thesis statement announces your topic and indicates what points you want
to make about that topic. It is the one sentence that states what your essay is about.
Format: The essay must consist of at least six paragraphs with at least six to eight
sentences in each paragraph (about 1000 words).
Quoting, Sources, Works Cited: A minimum of two sources (besides the textbook)
must be used. Any information that is researched or that is not your own must be cited
in essay and on the works cited page. Include two direct quotes with proper
introductions and explanations.
Ideas for writing:
Analyze one or more of the elements of fiction, such as the characters, setting,•
plot, point of view, theme, symbolism, irony, imagery, etc…
Analyze• & research the author and short story