American Literature II Researched Essay Preparation Research Essay, Exercise One Choose a single concrete thing an item or person, not an idea or concept) from a text. For example, from "To Build a Fire," you might choose fire (an item) or the old man (a person). Assignment: Write an essay in which you analyze three important aspects of the thing (item or person) that you have chosen explain how this thing connects to a larger idea of the text integrate information or ideas from the article in Exercise One into your essay. At least twice, name the critic and explain how his/her ideas relate to your points. The thesis statement should state what the thing shows about a larger idea of the text. Your source from Exercise One: You are not required to provide the summary from Exercise One. You may, however, use the critical source in a variety of ways.