Read & Analysis

Final Paper 

Due Monday, May 13, 2019 by 11:59 p.m.

This paper will be a literary analysis of ​one (and only one) ​of the texts we have read  together this semester. You will use one of your close-reading papers as a starting point for  this paper. Or, if you prefer, you may start a completely new paper. In your essay, you will  close read​ three to four passages​ from your chosen text. Strong close reading will  consider word choice (diction), word order or sentence construction (syntax), style, tone,  character, and plot. From your reading will emerge a thesis statement, or argument, about  the text as a whole. 

 

Introduction 

In your introduction (which I strongly suggest you write ​after ​you draft the body of the  paper), you should introduce your topic and your text. Avoid summarizing the text. Assume  that I (as the primary reader) know this text well, so I don’t need a reminder about the plot.  Give me only as much background as I need to understand your topic and argument. Your  introduction should give me a “road map” of your paper. What claims or points are you  going to make? End your introduction with a clearly articulated analytical thesis. 

 

A strong thesis statement answers questions of “how” and “why.” For example, “How does  the character of Helen Graham exemplify an ideal of an independent female artist? Why  does this construction of the female artist matter in our reading of 19th century novels?”  Your thesis statement will answer questions like these, and it may be helpful to keep in  mind that your thesis does not need to be limited to a single sentence. 

 

Body 

The body of your paper will address three or four passages from your chosen text. Aim to  write at least two paragraphs about each passage. Use the assignment sheets on your  previous close reading papers to help you with ideas on choosing passages, what to look  for in those passages, and how to articulate your ideas. There are helpful questions in  those assignment sheets, and they will help you as you draft the body of your paper. 

 

Conclusion 

Over the course of the paper, your thesis statement should develop and become more  focused with each close reading of a passage. At the beginning of your conclusion, state the  most developed form of your thesis. Finally, let the rest of your conclusion consider the  significance of that argument. Why does it matter for how we read American literature? for  how we understand identity, art, feminism, politics, sexuality, or a particular time period’s  literature? Maybe you consider why this text is important for us to continue to read today,  or maybe you speculate about the importance of what the text seems to be saying. Your  conclusion, ultimately, should work to make sure the final version of your argument is 

Final Paper 

Due Monday, May 13, 2019 by 11:59 p.m.

clear, and it should guide the reader out of the paper with some important food for  thought. 

 

Works Cited 

Although you will not be doing outside research for this paper, you will still be citing  passages from your primary text. Include an MLA-formatted citation for this text on a  separate page following your paper. 

 

Reflection 

After the Works Cited page, please include a brief reflection (about 250 words or so) on  your work in the course this semester. Are you satisfied with the work you did for this  course, or do you feel there are areas you could improve upon? What works did you find  most interesting? Most challenging? Most useful? I value your feedback in this class, and I  often adjust the works on my syllabus. Do you have suggestions for texts that you wish  we’d read in this class? Texts that you would suggest not be on the syllabus for future  students? Different, more creative assignments? Thank you for a wonderful semester, and I  wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break! 

 

Things to Keep in Mind 

Your piece should be formal. That is, you should write in complete sentences and  organized paragraphs. Proofread your work before submitting it. The University Writing  Center is available to you as a wonderful resource. I strongly encourage you to make use of  them. If you’re confused or would like some additional guidance, feel free to email me  (​[email protected]​).  

 

These essays are due Monday, May 13 by 11:59 p.m. Late papers will not be accepted. If  you cannot make this deadline, please communicate with me as soon as possible and we  can discuss a short extension. You must discuss an extension with me at least three full  days in advance -- so if you are having problems meeting the deadline, I expect to hear  from you ​no later​ than Friday, May 10. 

 

Requirements: 

Length: (Paper) 1,000-1,500 words, double-spaced 

(Reflection) ~250 words, double-spaced 

Times New Roman, size 12 

Final Paper 

Due Monday, May 13, 2019 by 11:59 p.m.

Double spaced, 1” margins 

Format: MLA formatting for first page (including a title), page numbers, citations and a  

Works Cited page (See Purdue OWL)