Analytical essay

In this section of the study guide, we will give some tips on how you might approach the text overall and interpret it.

The story appears to be very simple: A divorced lady who lives in Olean, New York is shelled by letters from a man named Woodson in prison. She feels sympathy for the aspiring writer and starts corresponding with him. This turns into a cycle, and she feels manipulated when his lawyer gets in touch with her requesting financial help to assist Woodson's trial.

Consequently, you should pay more attention on how the story unfolds regarding language choices and narrative techniques.  It is obvious that, through language style and use of techniques such as flashback, stream of consciousness or cliffhanger, the author is trying to ...