Overview & Guidelines
In this research paper assignment, you will choose one of the topics listed below and write an essay of 1200 – 1500 words, including documentation and a Works Cited according to MLA format. This paper will explore topics connected to one of the authors studied during the semester, adding research to expand on your analysis. Each topic will cover several defined areas that vary according to the subject discussed. Please review the topics carefully.
Topic #1
“The Things They Carried” is the first story in a collection by Tim O’Brien, also called The Things They Carried. Find out more about the entire book and how the story we read fits into it. Discuss the structure of the collection of Vietnam stories. Research the kind of critical reception O’Brien’s story received. Find at least three reviews and analyses of the story and summarize the findings. You will divide this topic as follows:
Introduction: Discuss the rhetorical situation (mention a bit about O’Brien’s background and his feelings towards the war). This should be approximately 100 words.
Structure and Summary: This section should summarize what you learned about the book that this story was included in. How is the book structured and how is the structure different from other stories/books about war? This section should be approximately 500 words.
Critical Response: Summarize the findings of your research on the reviews and analysis of the stories. Use valid critical reviews and cite the information correctly. This section should be another 500 words.
Conclusion: This story is one of the most anthologized stories ever written. Why do you think this is true. Using the information in your paper, sum up the main points by answering this question. This should be 100 word.
