Short Story Literary Analysis on The Individual and Society

Tillie Olson’s “I Stand Here Ironing,” By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assignment criteria: Competency 2: Apply literary critical analysis skills. Include directly quoted textual evidence from the story that supports the thesis statement. Apply a sound, deliberate assessment of an author’s approach to a story. Competency 4: Examine depictions of the relationship between the individual and society. Develop a thesis statement that relates the author’s approach to a larger social issue. Examine the universality of individual and social constructions in a literary work. Employ evaluation skills to assess the author’s approach to a story as related to a larger social issue. Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats. Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. Thoroughly read and take notes from “I Stand Here Ironing,” and create an original thesis addressing how Olsen specifically creates a clear connection between individual and society. Your thesis statement should address your unique stance in which you illuminate Olsen’s approach in her writing (this could involve characterization, setting, theme—any of the elements we have studied) as it relates to a larger social issue. You will write a well organized and well supported essay of 500–700 words in proper APA format, with a title page, headers, and correct in-text citation and end references page. You are not required to submit your prewriting and planning for this essay, but you should use this process as you prepare for the writing of the essay. Any effective scholarly essay of this length will include: An introductory paragraph in which you engage the reader’s attention, offer some brief background information, and clearly assert your thesis statement. At least three full body paragraphs in which you develop that thesis statement by offering direct, quoted evidence from the story, and your own unique arguments for how this specific evidence proves your thesis. A concluding paragraph, in which you reiterate your thesis concept and leave the reader thinking about your ideas.