ess.ay 5 with outline

4/10/23, 3:57 PM 4.6 Assignment Prompt for Essay 5: Spr23 ENGL 001B #37901 READING AND COMPOSITION-Online

https://canvas.pasadena.edu/courses/1131891/pages/4-dot-6-assignment-prompt-for-essay-5?module_item_id=15153982 1/3

4.6 Assignment Prompt for Essay 5

Essay 5 For much of Maus, we have used the theme of identity to help us understand the text and the importance identity formation plays in literature. In addition we have examined the historical and socio-political contexts that gave rise to Nazi Germany and the effect this had for Jewish individuals and other minority groups. Instead of the construction of identity, this essay asks you to look at its deconstruction by examining identity as something Nazi Germany tried to control.

Option 1 For this option, examine the ways in which the erasure of memory ties to the deconstruction of identity within Maus. Specifically, consider ways in which Vladek experiences confusion with memories while telling his story to Artie. Also consider how the German state actively sought to invalidate historical memory by disappearing European Jews from society and then annihilating them. Another approach might be to examine Artie's story within Maus as someone who is collecting and trying to preserve the fragmented memories of his father. In what

4/10/23, 3:57 PM 4.6 Assignment Prompt for Essay 5: Spr23 ENGL 001B #37901 READING AND COMPOSITION-Online

https://canvas.pasadena.edu/courses/1131891/pages/4-dot-6-assignment-prompt-for-essay-5?module_item_id=15153982 2/3

ways do Artie's actions deconstruct memory and identity? For this option, the essay should answer the question(s): "What is the relationship between memory and identity in Maus, and how is the deconstruction of memory used to deconstruct identity?"

Option 2 With this option, compose an essay that examines how Nazi Germany used structural/systemic racism/antisemitism to deconstruct identity and the effects racism/antisemitism had on Vladek. Specifically, consider the legal wrangling the German government used to define Jewish-ness as synonymous with family lineage, genetics, and race. Also consider how the German's treatment of Jews was validated by laws that restricted rights and dehumanized minority groups. Another approach might be to examine Vladek's identity as systematically stripped from him because of the structural/systemic racism/antisemitism he experienced. For this option, the essay should answer the question(s): "What is the relationship between racism/antisemitism in Maus, and how is racism/antisemitism used to dehumanize and deconstruct identity?"

Option 3 Using language as a central way in which identity is deconstructed, compose an essay that examines the language/words used by agents of the Nazi Government (i.e. soldiers, politicians, Nazi leaders) that dehumanizes and strips people of their identity. Specifically consider the use of numbers and systems of oppression that supplant one's name or personhood for a less individualized identity. Also consider derogatory language or speech used to dehumanize and control others. Another approach might be to examine the language Vladek uses to explain the atrocities of the Nazi Government and how those explanations rely on identity deconstruction as well. For this option, the essay should answer the question(s): "What is the relationship between language and identity deconstruction in Maus, and how is language used to harm minority groups?"

Expectations Essays should be thesis driven with introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs. Supporting evidence in the form of textual analysis, meaning quotes, and visual analysis of graphic elements of the text is expected.

4/10/23, 3:57 PM 4.6 Assignment Prompt for Essay 5: Spr23 ENGL 001B #37901 READING AND COMPOSITION-Online

https://canvas.pasadena.edu/courses/1131891/pages/4-dot-6-assignment-prompt-for-essay-5?module_item_id=15153982 3/3

In addition to the text, students should conduct light outside research and use reliable sources, preferably scholarly, to support their arguments. Two outside sources should be sufficient. Essays should be written in MLA format with Times New Roman 12pt. font. A works cited page is required. Essays should be five pages in total. (I stop reading after page five.)

Due Dates: Outline: Apr. 15th

Rough Draft: Apr. 17th; Peer Review Apr. 22nd

Final Draft: Apr. 29th -ish.