You will explore the deeper meaning behind a short story

For this essay, you will explore the deeper meaning behind a short story. What does the short story tell us about the world, about life, about people, about society—or about anything else?

You will explore the deeper meaning behind a short story

For this essay, you will explore the deeper meaning behind a short story. What does the short story tell us about the world, about life, about people, about society—or about anything else? In short, what does the story mean? For example, someone might make the following claim: “The short story ‘A&P,’ by John Updike, illustrates the foolishness of making a life-changing decision based on a momentary feeling.”

As an alternative, you may choose to focus on one specific aspect of a story, such as character or setting, and explain its meaning. For example: “The character Arnold Friend from Joyce Carol Oates’ story ‘Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,’ represents the type of evil that tends to arise as a result of vanity.”
Once you have formulated some theory about the meaning of the story (or some part within the story), construct your essay using specific language from the story as evidence to support your view. As always, include an introduction and a conclusion, along with a well-developed body that adequately supports your viewpoint. The viewpoint or claim you are making about the short story will be your thesis statement.