Writing to Learn 5.1 Choose two of the three stories that are examples of realism: `The Bet` by Anton Chekhov, `The Jewels` by Guy de Maupassant, and `How Much Land Does a Man Need?` by Leo Tolstoy and compare and contrast them. Carefully read the the works you've selected and take notes on their literary elements- setting, characters, plots and themes. Then ask yourself, `How do the literary elements relate to major issues of the historical period, particularly realism?` After you have a general chart outlining the two stories, you'll want to look at the smaller details. More than just looking at the elements, you'll also want to look at the tone of the story, the complexities, and the ambiguities. To help you discover many dimensions of literature, analyze the stylistic devices in the works you're comparing. Consider how the writers use tone, imagery, figures of speech, concrete sensory details, repitition, and irony. Make another chart where you list examples of these things and explain their effects. Formulating a thesis: look back over your notes and formulate a thesis statement that explains how three or more literary elements, stylistic devices, or a combination of elements and devices develop the historical issue you've identified. This statement is your thesis statement. Everything in your essay should support and further explain your thesis statement. Once you have your thesis statement, look back over the two stories to identify support for your thesis. Literary evidence should include direct quotations from the text or paraphrases of passages or scenes and summaries of events. Make sure to include the page number at the end of each quotation to identify what page it came from in your reference citations. After you've identified a specific piece of evidence, and either quoted it or paraphrased it, you need to explain how it supports your thesis. Your good analysis is essential to a quality essay. Once your have your thesis statement and supporting evidence, organize your essay so that it follows logically. After you've revised your essay sufficiently, compile a final draft and submit your prewriting and first draft and your final draft.

Writing to Learn 5.1 Choose two of the three stories that are examples of realism: `The Bet` by Anton Chekhov, `The Jewels` by Guy de Maupassant, and `How Much Land Does a Man Need?` by Leo Tolstoy and compare and contrast them. Carefully read the the works you've selected and take notes on their literary elements- setting, characters, plots and themes. Then ask yourself, `How do the literary elements relate to major issues of the historical period, particularly realism?` After you have a general chart outlining the two stories, you'll want to look at the smaller details. More than just looking at the elements, you'll also want to look at the tone of the story, the complexities, and the ambiguities. To help you discover many dimensions of literature, analyze the stylistic devices in the works you're comparing. Consider how the writers use tone, imagery, figures of speech, concrete sensory details, repitition, and irony. Make another chart where you list examples of these things and explain their effects. Formulating a thesis: look back over your notes and formulate a thesis statement that explains how three or more literary elements, stylistic devices, or a combination of elements and devices develop the historical issue you've identified. This statement is your thesis statement. Everything in your essay should support and further explain your thesis statement. Once you have your thesis statement, look back over the two stories to identify support for your thesis. Literary evidence should include direct quotations from the text or paraphrases of passages or scenes and summaries of events. Make sure to include the page number at the end of each quotation to identify what page it came from in your reference citations. After you've identified a specific piece of evidence, and either quoted it or paraphrased it, you need to explain how it supports your thesis. Your good analysis is essential to a quality essay. Once your have your thesis statement and supporting evidence, organize your essay so that it follows logically. After you've revised your essay sufficiently, compile a final draft and submit your prewriting and first draft and your final draft.