"The Dead" microessay

Please note: There are many ways you can approach this essay. One possible structure is to devote each paragraph to a different lit device (such as one paragraph on motif, one on syntax, and one on imagery). Or, you can focus each paragraph on a quality Gabriel possesses, and how the author develops this through the lit devices.

AP English Lit

Ms. Scher

Micro Essay #2

25 essay points

Directions for completing the Prose Question:

1.        Read the prompt.

2.        Read it again, circling or underlining key words or phrases.

3.        Paraphrase what the question is asking—what MUST you address to fully answer the question? Do this on the back of the sheet.

4.        Read the passage and annotate it AGAIN, even though we read it together in class. Try to time yourself (you don’t need to stick to a certain time yet, but write down how long it takes you to read and annotate).

5.        Spend 5-10 minutes brainstorming and developing a thesis on the back of the sheet. In your brainstorm, you might consider creating an essay outline. What will go in each paragraph?

6.        Give yourself exactly 30 minutes to write. See how much you can get done in that time. You can start on the back of this sheet and continue on a sheet of binder paper, if need be. Write in pen!

PROMPT:

In the following passage from the short story “The Dead”, James Joyce presents an insight into the character of Gabriel. Write a well-organized essay in which you discuss various aspects of Gabriel’s character that Joyce reveals to the reader and to Gabriel himself. Refer to such techniques and devices as imagery, point of view, motif, diction and syntax.