write a comparative analysis essay

English 220

Fall 2018

Cumulative Essay

DUE: Wednesday, December 5th

Consider: Through textual analysis and guided discussion, we have examined some of the many ways individuals can be perceived (either by others or themselves) as the Other or Outsider. (Forms of Otherness have included being born into Otherness, challenging social norms/the status quo, gender and sexual Otherness, racial and cultural Otherness, etc.) We have also gained a more nuanced perception of the plight and experiences of the Other/Outsider by placing ourselves into an environment where we were considered different.

Compose: Based on this knowledge, compose a comparative analysis using at least 2 course texts and 2 outside texts of your choosing that examines a form of Otherness and how it manifests through the characters, plot, themes, and/or imagery in the texts . (Outside texts may include novels, short stories, essays, plays, poems, songs, or films.) You may also consider the author’s life in relation to the examined text(s)—especially if the author has self-identified as an Other/Outsider. Additionally, you are welcome to use existing research and scholarly texts to support your analysis. However, I’m primarily interested in your critical analysis of forms of Otherness and how they are portrayed in your chosen texts.

Create an Outline: Not sure how to begin…Consider the following outline:

1. Choose a form of Otherness that interests you (e.g. being born into Otherness, challenging social norms/the status quo, gender and sexual Otherness, racial and cultural Otherness, etc.)

2. Choose 2 course texts that represent/explore this form of Otherness (e.g.: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explores being born into Otherness...)

3. Search for outside texts that also represent/explore this form of Otherness.

4. Compare and contrast the portrayals in the course texts and the outside texts. (Get specific! Find quotes!)

5. (Optional): Search for existing research that supports and broadens your analysis.

Helpful Hints:

· Use specific textual examples to demonstrate the manifestation(s) of Otherness (e.g.: quotes, lines from the poem or song, character traits, plot developments, etc.)

· This is an analytic essay and should move beyond a mere summary of each text under investigation (i.e.: don’t just summarize the plot of a short story; analyze how the characters are seen as Others and compare this portrayal with the various texts you’ve chosen to include in your analysis).

· Our discussion of comparative analysis can be used as a model for the essay, but you may not use the same sequence of texts that I have provided. (Do your own research and analysis!)

· An “A” paper will:

· demonstrate a solid understanding of the primary sources, in terms of the text’s meaning, form(s) of Otherness and how they are portrayed;

· demonstrate a solid understanding of the applicable literary techniques used by the author(s) that help to develop and portray the theme of Otherness;

· establish a clear analysis / premise, and maintain focus throughout;

· maintain an academic but engaging tone;

· teach the reader in a clear and compelling fashion (believe in your analysis!);

· be proofread and edited to the highest standards.

Additional Logistics:

· Responses must be typed (1800-2500 words), rendered in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins, submitted in hardcopy on 12/5. (*Emailed submissions may be accepted in the case of a serious emergency, with sufficient proof of circumstances.)

· I expect you to use a minimum of 4 sources ; be sure to include a Works Cited page.

· Please include your RED ID number and word count under your name (on the first page only).

· Consider treating this as more than just a school assignment. Allow yourself to be open-minded and curious, and choose texts that interest/excite you.

Grading (Total, 150 pts):

Research (Use of sources reflects familiarity with form(s) of Otherness and reflects close attention to formal textual details)	40 pts
Analysis (Demonstrates consistent and coherent analysis based on detailed attention to texts and associated research and reflection)	40 pts
Specificity (Essay includes specific references to texts under investigation)	40 pts
Clarity (Essay is organized; transitions are smooth and ideas flow logically)	15 pts
Grammar, MLA (Grammatical mistakes are minimal; essay and citations are structured in compliance with MLA/Professor’s format/citation guidelines)	15 pts