In both Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the reader is able to observe the symbolism of physical barriers. What is the function of a barrier in each story?
What does the barrier look like and how does its presence contribute to the story?
How does each author utilize the imagery of a barrier (such as a door or a wall) to depict limitation of physical travel? Is there a limit then, too, on psychological movement?
Does each character have control over the barrier? Is the barrier imposed on the character, or is the barrier chosen—or does the character’s relationship with the barrier change?
Though you may briefly mention ideas visited in the forum about isolation, offer new thinking here. Do not simply restate your previous thoughts. Focus on the object, the symbol of isolation, the barrier.
General Success Tips
The topic intentionally allows choice and your response will reflect judicious analysis. Each of your essays will be unique; however, successful essays will share three characteristics:
-being organized
-fully answering the question and only the question
-incorporating textual evidence and scholarly research that is supportive of your thesis, relevant, and cited correctly
Specific How-to Tips:
Construct a well-organized essay consisting of 800-1000 words. Because you will be working with two stories, keep them straight. Help the reader to follow your thinking by not jumping between stories. Group your thoughts in a logical way. The introduction and conclusion should be cohesive – focus on the term barrier. Body paragraphs should clearly examine each story. Stay on-prompt and answer the question being asked.
Consult the MLA sample paper and note that the thesis lands at the end of the introductory paragraph. The MLA sample paper can be viewed here :
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/13/ (Links to an external site.)
Examine the explanatory comments on the MLA sample paper. The comments not only explain how the formatting should look, but rationale is offered, too.
Include a thesis that clearly indicates the purpose of the paper. In this case, the task is to examine the symbolism of a barrier as employed in two short stories. Clearly state the paper’s purpose at the end of the first paragraph.
Avoid “I” and “you”– do not use either a first- or second –person stance. Rely on the evidence in the text without resorting to opinion. Avoid qualifiers like “I think…” because the assertion becomes rooted in individual view rather than scholarly analysis. Instead, confidently make the claim and back it up with textualevidence.
To launch your paper, consider providing a scholarly definitions of the term barrier. Consult the Oxford English Dictionary (library databases: library.schreiner.edu) for definitions. The OED is the academic standard for research. In addition to the definition, examples from peer-reviewed articles may also enhance the explanation. Build on this definition to assert your claim. Be clear and consistent.
Include citations that support your thesis. EXPLAIN why you included the quote. It is not sufficient to drop in a quote and expect it to be self-explanatory. Quoted material serves the purpose of emphasizing the point you are making; do not rely on a quote to make the point for you. Please consult the following resource for tips on avoiding dropped quotes: https://wilskiki.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/avoiding-dropped-quotations.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Consult the Purdue OWL for examples of in-text citation and a Works Cited page. Remember to list all sources, including both short stories, the OED, and any additional resources you use.
Examine the Essay Rubric to be sure you address each component. (BEFORE you begin writing.)
Read each draft aloud to yourself. Your ears will catch things that your eyes miss. If possible, read your paper to someone who is not in the class. If you find yourself stopping your reading in order to explain something to your listener, that point should be explained within the paper, too.