Due Date: Close-Reading Assignment *Note that the deadline has been extended by a week. Percentage of your final grade: 20% Length: 3 pages Topic: Write a short essay (with a

clear thesis) about Chopin's "Story of an Hour" according to one of the following two topics: English 1130 S. Rolston (to be submitted via Blackboard in pdf format)* Hiding/Revealing. "The Story of An Hour" is filled with references to things being concealed and things being revealed, from Josephine's "veiled hints that revealed in half concealing” at the beginning of the story to the revelation that Brently Mallard is indeed alive at the end of the story. Explain why this repeated pattern of revelation and concealment matters in the story. The Environment. The environment, and one might also add the general surroundings of the characters (the house, room, etc.), plays an important role in the story, especially for Louise Mallard. How does the environment relate to Louise Mallard's experiences, condition, and/or psychology? What does the environment tell us, and tell her, about the story? · Your essay must fit all of the necessary criteria of a good, albeit short, academic essay (a thesis, introduction, conclusion, properly constructed paragraphs, etc.). However, throughout your essay, you must close read your chosen story. Remember the rules about quoting that we have discussed so far in this course: integrate and contextualize quotes, and make sure that your quotes are adequately analyzed and explained. Other Important Information: · Please do not use any outside sources for this assignment. Some students used online sources in the past, and their essays were predictable as a result. I want to see your engagement with the text, and I don't want to see you using SparkNotes or any other online resource to mine your ideas. And, as always, never use AI for this class; it will result in a failing grade. You will be graded on the overall quality of your essay. This includes your grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, sentence structure, paragraphing, thesis, the originality of your argument/thesis, and your attention to detail. Of course, I will be paying close attention to your quoting and close reading. Please type and double-space your assignment and have standard (2.54 cm or 1 inch) margins. No title page please. Times New Roman font. Remember to refine your topic so that it can be addressed in 3 pages. Please contact me if you have further questions about the assignment (make sure that you give yourself enough time for a response before the assignment is due).