Essay Assignment on Shane

Due ____________

On page 113 after Shane has killed Stark Wilson and Fletcher, he tries to explain to Bob why he has to leave.  He says, “A man is what he is, and there’s no breaking the mold.  I tried that and I’ve lost.”  Your assignment is at least a 350 word essay on that quote.  This essay must be typed in a simple font such as Times New Roman and size 12 print. 

Paragraph one – Write an introductory paragraph giving background information on the story. Be sure to mention the title and the author's name. You might want to include the time and place of the story and something about the conflict between the cattle ranchers and the homesteaders during that time in our history. Introduce the characters, setting, and the main character Shane. Then include a very short plot summary. The last sentence of your introduction must be your thesis and should include the quote on page 113.  Your thesis should be something such as, “One of the themes of the novel is summed up in Shane’s statement, “A man is…”

Paragraph two – Write about how Shane tried to change but went back to his old life style.  Be sure to give the step by step details of how he tried to change, his temporary successes, and how and why he went back to his old life.

Paragraph three – Write about someone you know or have heard about who tried to change but failed or about someone who tried to change and was successful.  You can write about yourself if you want to.

Paragraph four – Sum up your essay and comment on whether you agree or disagree with Shane’s statement.

In the bottom right hand corner of your essay (the second page if you have two pages) type: 

                            your name

This is not a research paper.  Do not use any sources other than the novel and class discussion or class notes.