ENG 308/COM 402 Feature Writing: Story Analysis 9/3/02


You have read the story Mrs. Kelly’s Monster in your text.

First (a) describe what the story is about, how it made you feel, how you reacted, what your immediate memories of it were. This is a form of free writing. You are simply getting thoughts down on paper. Don’t worry too much about sentence structure. You can choose to use this in any manner in your analysis, but you should incorporate some of your affective ("gut") reaction in your paper.

Then (b) analyze the story using any of the elements mentioned in the text (p. 21; pp. 30-33; noting overall structure, use of dramatic tension, descriptive details, foreshadowing, use of the senses, tie-back) and any of the following, including examples where appropriate:

  • How has Franklin used rhythm in his language?
  • How has he used metaphors, similies, images, analogies and other forms of comparison?
  • Where does he violate the “rules” of normal grammar and writing? Are these “violations” effective? Why or why not?
  • How does his use of sentence and paragraph length contribute to the pacing of the story?
Check to see that your (a) and (b) have provided a reasonably thorough discussion of why this story works. Finally, include at least one comment on what you didn’t like about it (even Pulitzer Prize-winners can be improved, or may not be for everyone).

Due Tuesday, Sept. 17. Printed, double-spaced, proofed, AP version only (probably about two pages).

Back to Assignments page. Back to Entry page (home):