Your assignment for this first critical essay is to compare and contrast at least two of the short stories we’ve read. You have a myriad of possibilities in regard to essay topic. You can explore a common theme or idea, evaluate the use of a literary device or examine the methods an author uses to develop character, plot, etc. Your essay should use analysis (not summary) to make a point about the stories you choose. Remember to support your claims with evidence from the text. If you would like to run any topic ideas by me, please feel free to do so. Your paper should be three to four pages in length. Please format your paper according to MLA standards. Remember that this is a formal piece of writing that should be carefully checked for grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes. Do not use “I” or “me”, or phrases such as “I feel/believe/think,” “in my opinion,” or “it seems to me.” Stand by your analysis by avoiding words like possibly, maybe, probably, might, and could.