Fiction Analysis
Battle Royal by Ralph Ellison
Compose an analytical essay of at least 1,200 words in which you offer an interpretation of a literary element in one of the assigned short stories. Write your analysis focusing on one of the following elements in one of the assigned stories:
•Character
•Theme
•Symbolism
•Imagery
•Setting
Brainstorm to identify the literary element that you would like to explore in the story. Choose from character, theme, symbolism, imagery, or setting. Then, develop a thesis that offers a specific interpretation of this element. If you have trouble coming up with a thesis, contact your instructor, who will help you. Do not do any outside research at this point. When finished, the draft should be at least 1,200 words (approximately four double-spaced pages).
Tips for the Essay
1.Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a question, quote from the story, or interesting idea. Then, connect to the short story and mention the title and the author. End your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets one literary element of the story (such as theme, symbolism, or characterization).
2.The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present specific aspects of the short story that help to illustrate your points. Make sure to quote from the story and analyze specific lines that support your argument.
3.Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your main points and explains the significance of the thesis.
APA Reminder
Use APA style for formatting the essay and for source citations. Begin with a title page. Include a running header, and use proper font and spacing. End with a separate references page.
………………………Answer preview…………………………….
Being black is likened to being invisible to the white race. Battle Royal by Ralph Ellison presents a fascinating episode in which the narrator remembers his grandfather’s advice to his son (the narrator’s father) regarding the need to uphold the black people’s fight. The story begins as the white leaders ask the narrator to convey a speech on the virtues of humility to a white gathering. The event was a male-only affair comprising of cigars……………………………
APA
1449 words