Write about “Lulu.”
When we compare two things, we find similarities, and when we contrast, we find differences. Through comparing and contrasting–through looking at two characters–side by side–we learn more about both of them. And, in the process, we learn more about the author’s purpose–her message and the story’s deeper meaning.
In an essay–using this outline–compare and contrast Lulu and her brother and come to some conclusions about what the author–Te-Ping Chen is saying in this story. Analysis means “breaking into parts to understand the whole”–and, in your 8-paragraph essay, you will look closely at the siblings–and track their changes through the beginning, middle, and end. Then you’ll move from these observations to analysis: what is this story really about? What do we learn (about life or love–about success or family–about anything) from Lulu and her brother–from their choices and their lives?
Reminders: A good compare-contrast essay points out how the siblings are similar and/or different (and/or both), and uses these points to make an argument. An argument is not a plot summary. An argument is analytical, not evaluative. An argument requires a thesis–an idea (debatable)–and support (evidence from the text–analyzed and interpreted for the reader). Don’t use outside sources for this essay. Trust your reading of the text. Use the story and the outline. Essays that incorporate (un-cited) outside sources (for summaries or character analyses or insights from interviews with the author) will not pass. To take your essay to the next level this week–remember to say something meaningful about what is revealed when you analyze these two characters. What is the deeper meaning? What is the central point the author makes through the exploration of the siblings?