Description

An epistolary is a letter – in literature, when letters are used as a writing format, it often has the effect of conveying deep and realistic feelings and thoughts. For your first formal paper, you are to choose one character or an author from the first or second sections of your course reader (mixed tales and “Little Red Riding Hood” stories). You will address your epistolary to that character or author. Whatever you choose, this is an opportunity to be creative and analytical at the same time. Some suggestions follow: Writing to a Character This would be like a character analysis paper. You might write to a character to explain how you feel about the life he/she lived and/or the decisions he/she made; you might want to explain how you identify with that character, agree or disagree with choices made, or even ask questions. Treat the character as a REAL person and respond to things he/she said in the story, as well as anything else you (as the writer) would like to address. You may make references to your own life or things you have experienced that are parallel to the story. Writing to an Author This approach is more of a literary analysis or critique of the author’s style. You might tell the author things such as how you feel about his/her work, how you were affected by the content, and if you would recommend it to readers (and what readers you would recommend it to). This may include praise or criticism or both. There must be some indication of how you reacted to a work. You may use references from your own life experiences that are parallel to or different from the story. Basic Requirements The beginning of your letter should be somewhat like an introduction – whether you choose to write to a character or an author – the title of the story (in quote marks) and the author’s full name should appear in this introduction. In addition, you must use at least three examples from the story to make your point(s), and integrate at least one exact quote from the story in proper MLA format. The letter must be between one and a half to two pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. standard font. It must have a heading, a salutation (Dear_____:)and be paginated. Paragraphs must be indented. At the end you must include a proper signatory (see example).

 

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