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For Essay 1 you will adopt a Reader Response theoretical stance to construct a discussion of Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants” or Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” Your critical perspective must be clear in the discussion. In other words, I don’t want you to begin with “I am writing a Reader Response analysis of Faulkner’s ‘A Rose for Miss Emily’.” You must understand the elements of Reader Response criticism (not forgetting the tools you obtained from New Criticism) and use it as a lens through which you will view the story. Remember: You also have the option to construct a comparison of the short films on Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.” You may compare two of the films or one of the films with the short story. Think about how these representations of Hemingway’s short story affect the way you, as a reader, make meaning of the story. This essay will be 4-5 pages in length and must follow MLAparenthetical formatting guidelines. DILIGENTLY AVOID PLOT SUMMARY! Your essay should demonstrate that you have read and understand the material and thought critically about specific issues in one or more of the stories. There is no need to restate the sequence of events in the story. TIP: Phrases like “and then,” or “next” should raise red flags: Check for plot summary.
This is a formal academic

project. Don’t forget that as an academic writer/researcher, your task includes seeking out and utilizing the work of scholars who have gone before you. If you have theoretical questions—if you are not clear on what Reader Response approaches might look like—review the reading material for this class and/or use the library and research. You must utilize the work of no fewer than 4 and no more than 5 outside sources for this assignment.
This is a critical analytical paper, not an “opinion” piece. This is not to say that your thesis will not reflect your perspective on the text—your point of view—it must also demonstrate your ability to locate primary and secondary sources and to integrate the theory you are using with your own ideas. You must utilize the work of no fewer than 4 and no more than 5 outside sources for this assignment.
Be certain to note that literature is always discussed in the present tense. While the text may have been written in the past, it exists as a text in the present. Thus, it will be “the character states,” “the scene opens,” etc. (See course handouts for instructions on writing in the present tense.) Many of the secondary sources you consult will follow this form and make convenient models.
If needed, I can include pictures of my textbook chapter outlining reader-response criticism