Formal Paper: A Literary Analysis through Close-Reading
The Assignment:
This formal writing assignment entails a literary analysis through close-reading of one of the works we have discussed in class. The idea is for you to expand, more fully develop and adequately support some of the ideas discussed in the class. You will carefully analyze and evaluate an aspect of a literary work in order to broaden our understanding of it. Thus, through this paper you will develop a more in-depth knowledge and stance on a course reading.
I want to underline that your literary analysis through close-reading will be developed around a central claim (your thesis). All your paragraphs need to be related to your central claim and must contribute to the readers understanding of the central claim.
This literary analysis through close-reading paper should number about three to four pages (750-1,000 words) formatted in a 12-point font with standard margins. Times New Roman. As you have only a limited space with which to work, quote from texts judiciously. Short quotations incorporated within the grammar of your own sentences often work as well, if not better than, long blocked-off quotations. You should not consult, nor incorporate outside or critical sources.
Due Dates: The final draft of the essay is due in-class (hard-copies) on 12/06. Late submissions will incur a penalty, as per syllabus.
Structure:
The essay should observe the following sequence:
A precise, explanatory title, followed by
An introduction, which introduces your thesis, followed by
Three or more body paragraphs, each of which should include a succinct topic
sentence:
o Generally, the topic sentence introduces a distinct reason that supports the
essays thesis; even if it performs another rhetorical function, it must in all
cases clearly move the essays argument forward
o The substance of each body paragraph is made up of well-organized, relevant
evidence that illuminates and supports the reason stated in the topic
sentence
A conclusion, in which you bid farewell to your reader and end the essay
As a final step, carefully proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
***
To recap, in your literary analysis essay, you will pay close attention to:
1/3
(1) Essay paragraph structure (i.e. introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion). (2) Clarity, focus, and originality of your thesis statement (central claim)
(3) Topic sentences and transitions phrases.
(4) Use of appropriate textual evidence (paraphrasing, quoting, summarizing). (5) Style, vocabulary, and grammar.
Format: Your paper you should follow MLA format. If you have questions about MLA format, please see the following website: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ and/or schedule an appointment at the Writing Center.
Additional Sources: You may consult the following sources while writing your essay:
Close-reading guide with questions to ask yourself.
The Five Ws journalists ask themselves to gather and generate information.
MLA format for in-text citations.
All-purpose grammar guide: if youre not certain of a rule, look it up here!
Oxford English Dictionary.
Grading: Please see grading rubric uploaded in Moodle.
Writing Center: I highly recommend consulting the writing center for any aspects of this assignment that you would like help with (brainstorming, style, citations, format, structure, topic sentences, and the development of argument(s)). When/if you visit the writing center, please bring with you both this assignment sheet and the grading rubric.
NOTE: The following are the basic criteria you should use to identify plagiarism:
Changing just a few words or phrases of an original text.
Copying of source word-for-word without quotation marks or
citing of the author.
Taking an author’s idea without crediting him/her.
Copying a major word or phrase without quotation marks and/or
without crediting the author.
THE ESSAY IS SUPPOSED TO BE MADE UP OF A CLIAM THAT IS SUPPORTED THROUGHOUT THE ESSAY. THE ESSAY IS BASED ON THE BOOK DROWN BUT JUNOT DIAZ
