INSTRUCTIONS:
The setting essay will be a traditional five-paragraph essay with an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs that discuss various aspects of the setting of the short story, and a concluding paragraph. For thissetting essay, you are to select a story in which historical, physical, or geographical settings shape characters and events. You can choose to write about any one of those elements of the setting or a combination ofthe elements. For example, the essay can approach simply the historical significance of the setting in all three body paragraphsor a combination of the elements such as two body paragraphs on the geographical elements of the setting and one on the physical. You can focus on simply one area or “mix and match” the three areas (historical, geographical, and physical) as you see fit. Assignment: Your task is to write a five paragraph character analysis essay about how setting influencesa piece of literature. Once you have chosen a storyto analyzefor setting, choose three ways in which setting affects the plot, characters, or story as whole.You may also choose to analyze how a particular type of setting (historical, geographical, and/or physical)affects the story. Introduction: In this first paragraph, you will introduce your chosen story and identify the setting used.You may choose to give contextual information on your setting to ease in to your thesis. Your introduction should be roughly 5-6 good sentences, including your thesis. Thesis Statement: This sentence is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. This sentence will inform the reader what he or she will read in your essay. The thesis should include the story’s name, identify or make a claim about the impact of the setting, and give three reasons to support your claim. MODEL THESIS: In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,”the settingof the catacombsenables Montressor to carry out his crime by providing himwitha location that is secluded from public view, unvisited by people of the community, and inhabited by only the dead.Thesis that needs work : In this essay, I will show you how the catacombs are cold, dark, and scary.Remember, never write “in this essay” or “you” in formal compositions. These adjectives are weak and too broad. Body Paragraph #1: Your topic sentence includes the first reason/examplelisted in your thesis statement to describe your setting or the effects of your setting. You will support that topic sentence with examples from the story and even quotes. Quotes must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the claim made about thesetting. This paragraph should be 8-10 good sentences in length.Body Paragraph #2: Your topic sentence includes the secondreason/examplelisted in your thesis statement to describe your setting or the effects of your setting. You will support that topic sentence with examples from the story and even quotes. Quotes must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the claim made about thesetting. This paragraph should be 8-10 good sentences in length.Body Paragraph #3: Your topic sentence includes the third reason/examplelisted in your thesis statement to describe your setting or the effects of your setting. You will support that topic sentence with examples from the story and even quotes. Quotes must be cited in MLA format. Make sure you explain the connection between the examples and the claim made about thesetting. This paragraph should be 8-10 good sentences in length.All body paragraphs need to havea topic sentence, transitions into your setting examples, evidence to support your claim, explanation of your evidence, and a concluding sentence! Conclusion: Summarize your main points. Restate your thesis statement, but make sure you reword it. Provide some final, creative thoughts about the settingThis is the last paragraph your audience reads, so make it good (5-6 sentences). Guidelines: o You need an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.o Your direct quotations should be no more than three lines long each.o Use an MLA page format.The paper must be typed; 12 point font; Times New Roman; one inch margins; double-spaced, 0 after point. o You must have a Creative Title. “Setting Analysis”, “Setting”, or something to that effect does not work.o Include a Works Cited page to coincide with your in-text citations if applicable.Writing Tips o Avoid contractions (can’t, won’t, etc.) unless in a quotation.o Don’t use slang or common words (thing, stuff,etc.), unless in a quotation.o Write only in third person. Don’t use “you” or “I.”o Do not underline or put your title in quotations.o Use sentence variety (simple, compound, complex).o Use specific, vivid, and detailed incidents and examples to support your thesis.o Fix all comma splice errors, run-ons, and sentence fragments.o Write in all present tense. Books never “end” –they continue on for a new reader. o Make sure all paragraphs are indented.