This document provides the prompt and instructions for Essay 3 in Professor Lavarini's ENG G110 class on applying feminist critical theory. Students are asked to analyze how marriage was used to control the female protagonists in two of the assigned works from the time period, using at least two quotes or paraphrases from each text. They must cite sources using MLA format and double space their 4-6 paragraph response. The conclusion should discuss if the claim that "marriage was invented to control women" still applies today based on personal observations.

1. ENG G110: Professor Lavarini
Applying Feminist Critical Theory
Please address the prompt below in a well-developed essay response of four to six paragraphs.
You may use your feminist terms sheet, the critical theory text, class handouts, and the class grid
notes to help you, and you absolutely need a copy of the short stories and/or play to quote and
paraphrase from the story, citing exact page numbers (if the text has page numbers).
Be sure to quote and/or paraphrase, citing authors and page numbers, to support your
response. You should have at least two quotations from each text you use. This essay requires
close textual analysis, so do tie your points to specifics in the story. Every time you quote or
paraphrase, you need to cite the author and page number directly after the information in a
parenthesis: (Faulkner 84).
If you use the author’s name to introduce the information, then all you need is the page number
in the parenthesis, as in the following: Faulkner describes Emily as a stereotypical patriarchal
woman: “a slender figure in white in the background, her father a spraddled silhouette in the
foreground, his back to her and clutching a horsewhip” (83). Do double space your essay, and
do write in clear, complete, and grammatical sentences. Do not use “you” and/or contractions.
You must do your own work and cannot consult/collaborate with anyone, whether online
or in person. Do NOT use outside sources, except for the short stories themselves, the class
handouts, class lecture, and a dictionary. When you are done, upload the final version of your
essay to the link on Canvas: Essay 3. Good luck!
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Essay 3 Prompt
Actress Gabrielle Anwar argues that marriage is an “institution that was invented to control
women.” Using two of the works below, explain how this was true for the female protagonists in
the time period of both works. Be sure to give specific examples from the texts in the form of
quotations or paraphrases: selecting at least two quotations/paraphrases from each text
(minimum four total).
If you quote any definitions from the feminist terms sheet, do cite in the following manner:
(Lavarini).
In your conclusion, explain if you believe that Anwar’s claim is still true, using your own
personal observations and examples to support your opinon. No works cited page is needed for
this essay.
“A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Trifles by Susan Glaspell