English 098
Reynolds

The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien

The stories we have read by Tim O'Brien deal with the Vietnam War, but they also contain many compelling issues about the human condition unchanged by the 30 years since that conflict. For your last essay of the semester, write an essay in which you draw from the book some issue, conflict, theme, or motif that interests you. As stated in the portfolio requirements, "This should not only discuss an author's ideas but should also present the student's opinion and interpretation as distinct from the author's." Don't simply tell the story; construct an argument for a particular point of view about it, using evidence from the text to support your thesis.  Please discuss your ideas for a topic with me either in person or via email, before proceeding.  Your essay must refer to and quote from at least three of the stories in the book.

Refer to Keys for Writers for additional guidance on writing about literature (pages 67-72). Refer to the Text-Based 098 essays in New Voices for successful examples.

Requirements:

1. A clear thesis statement and introduction which sets out for your reader the point you wish to make about the stories. 
2. A very brief synopsis of the stories you are discussing. This means writing a sentence or two about each story (no more than one paragraph in total).
3. An analysis supported by examples from the text, properly quoted (or paraphrased) and cited.
4. You are not required to use sources other than O’Brien’s book to support your views; if you do use any outside sources, make sure you properly quote or paraphrase and cite. Note, however, that the use of outside sources for this essay is strongly discouraged!
5. Length: 3-4 pages
6. All drafts must be typed (10 or 12 font), double-spaced, 1" margins. .
7. Must have a title other than the book title.
8. Use MLA format for citing.  You are not required to use a separate sheet of paper for Works Cited.
9. Remember to save all drafts!!

Due Dates:

• First Draft Workshop Monday,  November 7  (Bring 4 copies for workshopping, plus "Before the Workshop" portion of Writer’s Process Review)

• Workshop Comments Due Wednesday, Nov. 9 (Post Workshop Comments to HyperNews before class!) 

• Revised Draft Due Monday,  Nov. 14

• 3^rd Draft Due Wednesday, Nov. 23

Please note that it is MOST IMPORTANT that you adhere to this schedule!  No Late Papers PLEASE!