Essay prompt :
I choose "Girl" and "Barning Barn" you need to compare the elements (Setting--location
in space and time,Characters--the people in the story,Plot--what happens in the story such
as rising action, climax,falling action...,Conflict--the struggle, either internal or
external,Theme--the message of the story) Here is my concept map.
https://sketchboard.me/RBxLIH76baNm MLA format, Single space, 3-4 quotes.
Introduction paragraph should contain your thesis. Each Supporting paragraph should
have one topic sentence. Conclusion should keep the same idea as your thesis mentioned.
Using the elements of short stories, compare two coming of age stories that we read (and I
assigned). How is the process different in the two stories?
What is similar, or universal, in the telling of these coming of age stories?
Using the lens of New Historicism, discuss how the context and influence of the time period
in which the story was written have shaped one of the stories we read.
Make an argument identifying a theme in a single short story.7
Using the elements of short stories, compare two coming of age stories that we read (and I
assigned). How is the process different in the two stories?
Introduction:
Coming-of-age stories often depict the transformative journey from childhood to adulthood,
highlighting the complexities of growth and self-discovery. In "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid and
"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner, two distinct narratives of coming of age are explored,
offering unique insights into the protagonists' struggles and the themes that emerge from their
experiences. By analyzing the setting, characters, plot, conflict, and theme in both stories, this
essay aims to shed light on the differing processes of maturation these young individuals
undergo.
Setting in "Girl":
The setting in "Girl" is characterized by its simplicity and lack of explicit details. The story is
presented as a continuous stream of advice and instructions given by a mother to her daughter.
The lack of a concrete location, time period, or specific external context creates a sense of
universality, allowing readers from various backgrounds to relate to the narrative. The absence of
these specific details serves to emphasize the timeless nature of the guidance being imparted
from one generation to the next. The dialogue between the mother and daughter takes place
within a domestic space, most likely their home or living environment. This intimate setting
