Short Story Assignments for Composition II-Honors
Below are listed the short stories for the course. Minimum words per paper are
also listed and simply indicate that a shorter paper will not be accepted; however,
the intention is not to suggest that you will have an adequate paper if you
meet the minimum requirement. It is, in fact, unlikely since ample development
is needed to support the different subjects of your essay. Length is not a dependable
criterion; the shorter story may not be easier to analyze.You may choose all
science fiction or all mystery or use any combination of the stories for the
course. The texts are listed in the course syllabus at this site.
Paper 1 (500 words) Conflict, Setting, and Central Idea
Asimov, “Strikebreaker,” p. 248 (SFWA)
Rendell, "The Irony of Hate" p. 191 (A Moment)
Paper 2 (600 words) Character and Point of View
Bradbury, “The Million Year Picnic,” p. 407 (SFWA)
Davis, "The Purple is Everything" p.119 (A Moment)
Paper 3 (700 words) Tone and Language
Clarke, “The Star,” p. 151 (SFWA)
Gordimer. "Country Lovers" p. 179 (A Moment)
Paper 4 (700 words) Central Idea and Other Six Elements
Bradbury, “All Summer in a Day,” p. 417 (SFWA)
Glaspell, "A Jury of Her Peers" p. 1 (A Moment)
B paper
Bester, “Disappearing Act” p. 315 (SFWA)
Wheat, "Ghost Station" p. 399 (A Moment)