1. Read comments on “Magi” papers Evaluate “Diamond Necklace” papers
Goals:
Read comments on “Magi” papers
Evaluate “Diamond Necklace” papers
Read “The Piece of String”

2. Evaluate these thesis statements:
The strategies O. Henry uses create an emotional connection between the readers and the characters.
In “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry uses several techniques to add to the climax.
There are multiple ways that O. Henry adds emotional weight to the climax.
O. Henry does an excellent job of giving the story emotional weight at the climax.
O. Henry uses imagery to make readers feel sympathy for Jim and Della, thus adding emotional weight to the climax.
O. Henry adds emotional weight to the climax by focusing on Jim and Della’s poverty and how that poverty affects their pride.
O. Henry emphasizes Jim and Della’s possessions to add intensity to the climax.
O. Henry uses pacing and diction to give the climax emotional weight.
In “The Gift of the Magi,” diction is used to add emotional weight to the climax.

3. Evaluate these thesis statements:
The strategies O. Henry uses create an emotional connection between the readers and the characters.
In “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry uses several techniques to add to the climax.
There are multiple ways that O. Henry adds emotional weight to the climax.
O. Henry does an excellent job of giving the story emotional weight at the climax.
O. Henry uses imagery to make readers feel sympathy for Jim and Della, thus adding emotional weight to the climax.
O. Henry adds emotional weight to the climax by focusing on Jim and Della’s poverty and how that poverty affects their pride.
O. Henry emphasizes Jim and Della’s possessions to add intensity to the climax.
O. Henry uses pacing and diction to give the climax emotional weight.
In “The Gift of the Magi,” diction is used to add emotional weight to the climax.

4. Step 1: Write a thesis that clearly responds to the prompt, and that you can support with evidence from the story.
O. Henry uses pacing and diction to give the climax emotional weight.
O. Henry emphasizes Jim and Della’s possessions to add intensity to the climax.
O. Henry uses imagery to make readers feel sympathy for Jim and Della, thus adding emotional weight to the climax.
O. Henry adds emotional weight to the climax by focusing on Jim and Della’s poverty and how that poverty affects their pride.

5. Step 2: Write topic sentences that clearly support the thesis, and that you can support with evidence from the story.
Step 3: Support your topic sentences with evidence, and show how each piece of evidence supports the topic sentence.
Poverty is a focus point that Henry uses to draw on the reader’s emotions. He opens with the sentences, “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all.” Henry’s objective with beginning the story with such a small amount of money is to hook the reader by beginning with the topic of poverty. Everything about the young couple’s situation seems to be scarce; not even Jim’s name is spared. Henry describes the Dillingham’s flat as “on the lookout for the mendicancy squad.” Everything about the flat seems to reflect the couple’s poverty: the doorbell that refuses to work, the shabby couch, even the mirror that is so small that Della can’t see her own reflection. Della’s poor situation makes the reader feel sorry for her.

6. When you get your “Magi” papers back, read the comments and record the problems on your “Problems to Correct” page.
If I wrote, “See me,” “Ask me about…,” or a similar comment on your paper, either see me after class or send me an to set up a time for a conference.
If you go to the Writing Center for help with Paper 3, take your “Problems to Correct” page and ask for help with those problems.

7. What are some “aspects of human nature”?
Assignment for Tuesday:
In a paper no longer than two pages (using 12-point Times New Roman font and following MLA format), and citing specific evidence from the story, explain some aspect of human nature reflected in Guy de Maupassant’s “The Diamond Necklace.”
What are some “aspects of human nature”?
Which ones might be reflected in the story?

8. Assignment for Tuesday:
In a paper no longer than two pages (using 12-point Times New Roman font and following MLA format), and citing specific evidence from the story, explain some aspect of human nature reflected in Guy de Maupassant’s “The Diamond Necklace.”
Spend the next part of the class working alone, in pairs, or in groups to add to your list of “aspects of human nature.”
Once you have an adequate list, find evidence of one or more such aspects in the story. (This activity is INVENTION.)
Once you have plenty of evidence, select the best evidence and put it in a logical order. (This activity is ARRANGEMENT.)
Based on your material, state a thesis, then write several paragraphs to support that thesis.
Add an introduction and a conclusion.
Bring the paper (hard copy) to class on Tuesday.
topic sentences

9. Read a partner’s “Necklace” paper, looking closely at the thesis and the topic sentences.
Write specific comments on the paper: quality/clarity of thesis, appropriateness of topic sentences, level of support, clarity of sentences, correctness of grammar/mechanics.
Return the paper to the author.
When you get your “Necklace” paper back, read the comments and record the problems on your “Problems to Correct” page.

11. Schedule:
Today: Bring hard copy of “Diamond Necklace” paper.
2/16 Evaluate papers; learn from comments.
Read aloud “The Piece of String.”
Thursday: Begin work on “Piece of String” paper (Paper 3).
2/ HW: Write a complete draft of Paper 3.
Tuesday: Bring hard copy of Paper 3 to class for evaluation.
2/ HW: Revise and polish draft of Paper 3.
Thursday: Turn in hard copy of Paper 3.
2/25