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ENG 1001 Home Page  Essay 3 Sample

Thesis Statement (one sentence that sums up your specific interpretation of the story): Through Desiree in "Desiree's Baby,” Chopin illustrates that dependence can be an important component of healthy relationships, but she also strongly warns of the dangers of being overly dependent.

Topic Sentence (sums up a major point about the story that helps support your interpretation): Desiree's dependence within her relationships begins even before her marriage, in her upbringing in the Valmonde household.

A. Support

1. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): Monsieur Valmonde found her when "she was of the toddling age"

 2. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence): As a toddler, she's completely dependent on those who found her.

 B. Support

1. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): She was the "idol of Valmonde” and thought to be "sent to her [mother] by a beneficent  Providence. . .”

 2. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence): With such a status, Desiree completely taken care of by mother, father, servants, furthering her dependence on others

C. Support

1. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): Desiree was "beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere”

 2. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence): Apparent mutual benefit for everyone, including Desiree, as a result of her dependence