Literary Text #1: “A Temporary Matter” from Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa La

Literary Text #1: “A Temporary Matter” from Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Expository Text: “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin 
You will be writing your essay in the following series of steps:
1. First paragraph: Introduce the literary and expository text using summarizing skills. Come up with a preliminary plan that emphasizes the main focus of the essay. Create a thesis statement that plans out what the essay will be about.
2. Create body paragraphs that align with the essay topic and the thesis statement. Analyze the literary text using the expository text. Synthesize both texts throughout the essay. Construct coherent paragraphs that clearly explain your thoughts and logical analysis. Utilize parenthetical citation to cite quotes from the texts. Create a Works Cited page.
3. Revise analysis & logical thinking for clarity, unity, and focus. Revise paragraph structure for strong topic sentences & in-depth supporting sentences. Clean up grammatical errors using a gramma app. Polish sentences for clarity and readability. Fix any formatting errors, including the first page, parenthetical citation, Works Cited page, & hanging indentation.
Essay Questions:
1. What are Lahiri and Chopin’s ultimate messages about communication in marriage? What are their ideas regarding talking about difficult issues, such as the death of one’s child or a spouse’s racial discrimination? In addition, how do surrounding circumstances make communication particularly difficult in marriage?
2. How do Shoba and Shukumar communicate with one another? Why do they avoid talking about some of their most important issues? What is an example of this behavior? How does that affect their marriage?
3. How does Armand communicate his feelings about their marriage to Desiree? How does Desiree defend herself against Armand’s accusations? How would you characterize their communication style? 
4. How do Shoba and Shukumar talk about the death of their loved ones?  Why is grieving so difficult for this couple? What are some clues Lahiri provides as to why that’s the case? How does this issue affect their marriage? 
5. What is the significance of the letter Armand’s mother had written to his father, particularly as it relates to marriage and communication? What information does the letter reveal about Armand’s identity? What is likely the motive behind his mother keeping this information hidden? How did her action have an impact on Armand? Did it hurt or benefit him in the end?
6. What is the significance of the truth-telling game Shoba and Shukumar play? What information do they discover about each other? How do they use this information against each other? How does this affect their marriage?
7. What do Chopin and Lahiri’s stories teach the reader about life, communication, and marriage? How do their characters reverberate those themes?  What are some examples?
Cite both texts in your essay, at least once from each text. You will need a minimum of three citations for the essay.
Literary text: Minimum of 1 direct quote or paraphrase.
Expository text: Minimum of 1 direct quote or paraphrase.
One citation from either literary or expository text. Please refer to the week overview or the written assignment page for details.
Assignment Criteria
1. Content: Please read the prompt very carefully and make sure you understand what is required in the essay. In addition, critical thinking skills need to be clearly demonstrated in all of your analyses, employing objectivity and logical conclusion. Refrain from personal examples and utilize data and factual evidence presented in the expository text(s)..
2. Length: All three essays need to have a minimum of 3 (full) pages but no more than 5 With each paragraph having at least 5 sentences, that works out to be around 7-9 paragraphs. A half or partial page will not be considered as a full page. Refrain from adjusting the margins or citing a lengthy quote to increase the page length.
3. Citations: A minimum of three overall, one from each text.
4. Format: MLA formatting must be followed throughout the essay. Points will be deducted for any errors.
Five Formatting Elements:
1. MARGINS: one inch all around, avoid inflating the margins to gain more page numbers.
2. LAST NAME & PAGE NUMBER: Aligned to the right in the header. This is done by double-clicking on the top of the page and opening the header. Then find the setting to align the last name and the page number to the right.
3. HEADING: Double-spaced, in the left corner with four lines of information: Student name, Professor’s name, Class, Date.
4. SPACING: Double-spaced throughout the essay. There should be no extra space: • Between the heading and the title. • Between the title and the first paragraph. • Between body paragraphs.
5. ESSAY TITLE: A creative title that is centered.
5. Works Cited page: Your essays will need a Works Cited page as the last page of your essay.