The Secret Lion: The Role of Sergio and the Impact of Companionship

  • Thinking about “The Secret Lion,” consider this: Is Sergio necessary to the story, or would the events described be the same without him? Explain. Think about things you’ve done, adventures you’ve had. Did you do it alone, or did you have a buddy with you? Was the experience better or worse because you had a companion, or because you didn’t?
  • A character in just about every story you’ve read has some sort of epiphany, be it good or bad. Choose one character and discuss his/her “realization” and how it affects the character/story. Think about Miss Brill, the narrator in “The Secret Lion,” Louise Mallard, the narrator in “Araby” and each character’s “aha/oh no” moment.
  • We usually admire a person who rises out of poverty to get an education and better his or her circumstances, but in “Everyday Use,” the reader does not generally identify with Dee or sympathize with her. Why not? Who is the narrator in the story? How does her view color the reader’s viewpoint? Do you see Dee as totally unlikable? Do you think those traits that appear to be her shortcomings are actually both common and necessary for someone to progress in life? Should we admire Mama and Maggie who are not willing to change?

Remember, this essay should be a minimum of 600 words, double spaced.  For this essay, in addition to your textbook you will find one outside source from GALILEO to support your thesis. Remember to document information you use from this source in the body of your essay with appropriate APA in-text citations and with a full APA citations on your References page.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Embarking on a literary analysis essay can be daunting, but with a structured approach, you can navigate it effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Understand the Assignment Prompt

  • Analyze the Questions: Break down each question to grasp its core. For instance:
    • Is Sergio necessary to the story, or would the events be the same without him? This prompts an analysis of Sergio’s role in “The Secret Lion.”
    • Choose one character and discuss his/her “realization” and its impact. Focus on a character’s epiphany and its significance.
    • Why doesn’t the reader generally identify with Dee in “Everyday Use”? Examine Dee’s portrayal and the narrator’s influence on the reader’s perception.

2. Select Your Focus

  • Choose a Question: Pick the prompt that resonates most with you or aligns with your understanding.
  • Formulate a Thesis Statement: Develop a clear, concise argument responding to the chosen question.

3. Gather Evidence

  • Primary Texts: Revisit the relevant stories, noting passages that support your thesis.
  • Secondary Source: Utilize GALILEO to find scholarly articles that provide additional insights.

4. Create an Outline

  • Introduction:
    • Introduce the main topic and its relevance.
    • Present your thesis statement.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Paragraph 1: Discuss the character’s role or realization.
    • Paragraph 2: Analyze the impact of this role or realization on the story.
    • Paragraph 3: Incorporate insights from your secondary source to support your argument.
  • Conclusion:
    • Summarize your main points.
    • Reiterate the significance of your analysis.

5. Write the Essay

  • Introduction: Engage the reader and state your thesis.
  • Body:
    • Present clear arguments supported by textual evidence.
    • Integrate quotes and paraphrases from both the primary text and your secondary source, ensuring proper APA in-text citations.
  • Conclusion: Reinforce your thesis and the importance of your findings.

6. Revise and Edit

  • Content Review: Ensure your arguments are coherent and well-supported.
  • Clarity and Style: Check for clear expression and adherence to academic tone.
  • Formatting: Confirm your essay meets the 600-word minimum, is double-spaced, and follows APA guidelines.

7. Compile References

  • Reference List: Include full APA citations for all sources used, ensuring accuracy and proper formatting.

By following this structured approach, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a thoughtful and well-supported literary analysis essay.

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