Written Assignment 2: Based on any of the four stories read in class, write a APA five
paragraph compare and contrast essay based on three types or one type of conflict, man vs.
man, man vs. self, and man vs. society. There are two options for this assignment:
“Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka
“The Accident” by Dave Eggers
“No Face” by Junot Diaz
Trifles by Susan Glaspell
*Times New Roman, 12 Font, Double Spaced
Option 1: Focus on one type of conflict
No Face and Trifles (Man vs. Society)
1.) Judgment
2.) Hierarchy
3.) Culture
Outline
Paragraph 1 Introduction (4-5 sentences): Thesis Statement
-Supporting points (three ways the specified conflict is present)
Paragraph 2 Supporting Point 1 (5-6 sentences): man vs. society
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 3 Supporting point 2 (5-6 sentences): man vs. society
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 4 Supporting point 3 (5-6 sentences): man vs. society
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 5 Conclusion (4-5 sentences): Closing thoughts/Mention titles and authors one more
time. How are both of these stories relevant to present society?
ntroduction
In the play Trifles by Susan Glaspell and the short story “No Face” by Junot Diaz, there
are similarities in conflict between the protagonists and society. Both No Face and Mrs. Wright
are harshly judged for circumstances that they have no control over. Knowingly or unknowingly,
one character from each story is willing to stand up to the hierarchy of society. Nevertheless,
there is clearly a focus on the culture which sparks an intriguing societal perception of feminism
versus masculinity.
Judgment
The judgment laid down by society is strong enough to keep No Face and Mrs. Wright in
isolation. No Face cannot go out without being judged for how he looks, and Mrs. Wright cannot
leave her home without people questioning the unhappiness that exists within her marriage.
While their circumstances are out of their control, they still attempt to live their daily lives. No
Face’s name is in fact a major part of his identity which he unfortunately acquires after being
attacked by a pig. Diaz (1996) says, “He knows he should go but the morning fog covers
everything…No Face! A few of them yell out but he has no time for them” (p.577). No Face
leaves home before he can be ridiculed by his family, and he rushes past shopkeepers before they
can mistreat him. Their judgment is based on his facial disfiguration. Likewise, Mrs. Wright is
judged by her peers who suspects she murdered her husband. Mrs. Hale says, “I’d hate to have
men coming into my kitchen, snooping around and criticizing” (Glaspell, 1919, 1.1.56).
Ironically, in their attempt to identify a motive, they make mention of the type of woman she was
prior to being married. She was happier before she was married, and it appears to be common
knowledge that her husband made her life difficult. While he is not being judged for what he did
to her, she is in fact judged by what she might have done to him. Both characters are suspects
based on the supposed threat they pose to society.
Padre Lu and Mrs. Hale stand up against hierarchy in society.
Masculinity vs. Feminism
Conclusion
Option 2: Focus on three types of conflict:
No Face and Trifles
1.) Personal choice (man vs. self)
2.) Voices debating their rightful places (man vs. man)
3.) Cultural and traditional rules in society (man vs. society)
Outline
Paragraph 1 Introduction (4-5 sentences): Thesis Statement
-Supporting points (inner, personal, extra personal)
Paragraph 2 Supporting Point 1 (5-6 sentences): man vs. self
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 3 Supporting point 2 (5-6 sentences): man vs. man
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 4 Supporting point 3 (5-6 sentences): man vs. society
-examples, details, two in-text citations one from each story,
Paragraph 5 Conclusion (4-5 sentences): Closing thoughts. How are both of these stories
relevant to present society?
Option 2
Introduction
In the play Trifles by Susan Glaspell and the short story “No Face” by Junot Diaz, there
are similarities and differences among self, interpersonal, and societal conflicts. No Face and
Mrs. Wright struggle with the choices they must make to survive. Other voices in each story
debate the rightful place of the protagonists. Finally, cultural and traditional rules are reflected in
each story ultimately illuminating the core issues that establish the foundation for such conflicts.
Man vs. Self
No Face and Mrs. Wright encounter self-conflicts after being confronted with choices of
survival. No Face is viewed as both mysterious and monstrous because his face is disfigured. He
seeks acceptance but knows this is not an option. When confronted by a group of young boys
who have intentions of turning him into a girl, he has a choice to make. He knows that he is
strong and can more than likely kill each of them. However, he knows this is not the answer as it
would confirm his crucifixion. Nevertheless, “he says strength and the fat boy flies off him and
he’s running down the street and the others are following” (Diaz, 1996, p.578). His conscious
decision to use his strength to run opposed to fight highlights his ability to overcome self-
conflict. Similarly, Mrs. Wright grapples with self-conflict on a daily basis when she attempts to
avoid the wrath of her husband. She steps into her role as a housewife and performs her duties.
Nonetheless, when confronted by his sour attitude, she attempts to protect the one thing that
keeps her sane. The murder of her bird throws her into a self-conflict that results in the death of
her husband. Mrs. Hale says, “I wonder how it would seem to never have had any children
around. No, Wright wouldn’t like the bird-a thing that sang. She used to sing. He killed that, too”
(Glaspell, 1916, 1.1.123-125). Her choice to end his life was in many ways her ability to begin a
new life even if it meant being branded as a murderer. Self-conflict within both characters arise
making them question everything within themselves.
Voices of other characters> Padre Lou and Mrs. Peters represents the fundamental pillars that
influence the decisions of men and women.
Padre Lou represents religion
Mrs. Peters represents the law
APA Format
Cover Page >Header left hand corner, page numbers right hand corner, title, your name,
school’s name, class time (centered)
References> List of stories in alphabetical order (references will be provided)
Short Citations
Diaz (1996) says, “Their mission was to accomplish the goals that would keep them alive” (p.1)
“Their mission was to accomplish the goals that would keep them alive” (Diaz, 1996, p.1).
Paraphrase Citations
They completed the goals that helped them accomplish their mission (Diaz, 1996).
Trifles Play APA Format
The County Attorney says, “Well, Mr. Hale, tell just what happened when you came here
yesterday morning” (Glaspell, 1916, 1.1.56)
(Act. Scene. Line #).
References
Carver, R. (1981). Cathedral. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting,
Writing, 9th Edition. Cengage. Boston, M.A.
Diaz, J. (1996). No Face. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing,
9th Edition. Cengage. Boston, M.A.
Eggers, D. (1929). The Accident. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting,
Writing, 9th Edition. Cengage. Boston, M.A.
Glaspell, S. (1916). Trifles. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing,Glaspell, S. (1916). Trifles. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing,
9th Edition. Cengage. Boston, M.A.
Kafka, F. (1924). Hunger Artist. Kirsner & Mandell Compact Literature: Reading, Reacting,
Writing, 9th Edition. Cengage. Boston, M.A.
