ESSAY PROMPT: Pick a short story, and analyze how the author, through the use of literary devices, explores a particular theme(s).
Each story in the reader explores in some way the world of the child and the world of the adult, and the vast space where these two worlds intersect. While it does not have to be about the coming of age process itself, your thesis will most likely be loosely based on a theme connected to coming of age: childhood, adulthood, innocence vs. experience, culture/identity as it relates to childhood, family relationships, self-identity/autonomy, time, understanding and acceptance of death, etc.
SHORT STORIES
“Simple Recipes” by Madeleine Thien
“Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro
YOUR ESSAY MUST INCLUDE: a theme-based thesis statement, and 2 or 3 body paragraphs.
YOUR THESIS STATEMENT MUST INCLUDE: between one and three (1-3) Literary Devices — these are the supporting points that provide “proof” to support your thesis claim.