Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

Read the play Trifles by Glaspell

1. Often in literary works, authors choose a physical object which takes on a special significance in the work and becomes a symbol of something beyond itself.  Show how, in the work that you read, the author uses a symbol to convey a deeper meaning.  In your essay, focus on the symbols and what they symbolize.  Be sure to discuss how the author uses them to convey a message to readers.  You may choose three important symbols from the short story, or you may choose to elaborate on one symbol in each of your three main points for discussion.

2. As we have discussed, many of the stories/plays we read often provide a certain portrayal of women based on their class and societal views. These differ from story to story. What  is the role of women/the role of class/status or the depiction of women mean to the play and how does it support the theme, plot, and setting? 

3. Discuss the author’s use of figurative language.  Identify three examples of figurative language from the play.  Why did the author use these examples?  What impact does the figurative language have on characterization, description of setting (imagery), mood, foreshadowing, theme, or the play overall?  In your essay, use a different example in each body paragraph.  Be sure to explain the significance of each use of figurative language.  Examples of figurative language vary. Some are symbolism, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification, allusion, conflict, dialogue, etc.

4. Literary Devices give a linguistic technique that produces a specific effect and style to writing. Your job is to create a literary device essay concerning the play and the author’s specifics uses. Your essay should answer the question: How does the author use literary devices (example: foreshadowing, symbolism, and irony) throughout the play to produce a specific effect? Each device must have examples textual support. Please use appropriate citing and page numbers.

The literary analysis essay requires textual support. Please use appropriate citing and page numbers in MLA (Modern Language Association) format. Your quotes should look like this:

Example: An example of imagery in the story would be, “the morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green” (Jackson 409).

Please type your essays in 12 point font, with double spacing within and between paragraphs, using MLA format for the essay, in text citations and the Works Cited page.

1. Your essay must have a clear thesis/focus with at least three supporting points for discussion that support and clarify the thesis.

2. Your essay must quote, paraphrase or summarize from at least three of your research sources. Prepare in text citations in MLA format.

3. Your essay must include an MLA Works Cited page that lists at least four sources in MLA format. At least two sources must come from the NC LIVE database, with at least one source from Lit Resource Center.

4. Your essay should be 3-4 pages in length (not including the MLA Works Cited page).