Choose one of the following topics and write an intelligent, focused, and coherent essay. You’ll need to decide what points you want to make and then, look closely at the text(s) for quotations and examples. You must support what you say with specific examples and quotations. Always develop such examples; that is, explain how the quotations and examples support your general points. You must include an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use MLA documentation for the quotations. You may, of course, read other stories than those assigned. You can find all of the stories online. Online stories should have page numbers. Remember to include the speaker and context for the quotations you use. Take time to proofread your essay.
Keep in mind as a critic, your task “is to analyze the work [or works] and present information or an interpretation that can help the reader better understand and appreciate the story [or stories]” (Mansfield-Kelley and Marchino 9)
Your essay must use at least two stories or one story and the novel. Here are some topics that you might consider, but you may also consider other aspects of interest:
Sherlock Holmes (attributes of his character and/or his attributes as a detective)
Dr. Watson (attributes of his character)
Relationship between Holmes and Watson
Criminals and/or crimes
Identity (acting and disguises)
Depiction of and/or attitude toward women
Science (types and usages)