World Lit, Literary Analysis

ENGL2310: Essay 1 Assignment Due by Saturday, May 23, at 11:59pm Central

In Weeks 2 and 3 of class, we’re looking at postcolonial theory as an approach for literary analysis,

reading The Epic of Gilgamesh in its entirety, and reading Acts I and II of The Tempest. The Essay 1

assignment will combine each of these three things. Follow formal writing conventions: scholarly

language; APA or MLA citation style (you can skip the abstract!); and clear organization (an identifiable

introduction and conclusion with several separate body paragraphs in between).

Here’s the path for an effective postcolonial analysis:

1. Select one of the themes of postcolonial theory that you would like to explore. This will be

the lens through which you look at the literature. You’ll find a list in the postcolonial theory

video. If you would like to focus on a theme outside of that list, double-check with me first.

2. Describe how the lens fits into postcolonial theory and explain why it’s a promising choice

for the literature. What ideas can be included in that lens? Why is it a worthwhile lens for

discussing these particular stories?

3. Apply that lens to The Epic of Gilgamesh and Acts I and II of The Tempest. How does the theme

function within these stories? What tensions and insights arise? Are there valuable similarities

and differences between how the theme is represented in these two works? Remember that the

ultimate goal of a postcolonial literary analysis is to use the literature as a means to make a

broader point about the theme, a point that goes beyond the pages of the stories. Ultimately, the

analysis should answer this question: What does the literature teach us about how (your chosen

theme) works?

Assessment Rubric (70 pts)

Description of theory 10

Rationale for selection 10

Application of lens 10

Rhetorical style 10

Organization and structure 10

Mechanics 5

Documentation 5

Reflection (after feedback) 10

Additional advice:

As much as your schedule allows, write this essay slowly and in a few different sessions. Write a first

draft, leave it alone for a while, and then come back to it. Your brain will be working on it in the meantime

even when you aren’t aware, and a little separation often brings clarity. Plan ahead and submit a draft to

the UIW Online Writing Center.

Your essay should be a postcolonial analysis, not just a character study or a general discussion of symbols

in the literature. If you need any help working through those ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also,

please be sure to check out the Postcolonial Themes Cheat Sheet in case you aren’t sure how to go about

applying your chosen lens to the writing.

There isn’t a required length, but successful essays are generally between 900 and 1,300 words in length.

If it’s shorter, your analysis may not be deep enough or include enough specific examples from the text. If

it’s longer, you may have included too much plot summary or other padding. Use the rubric as a guide.

There’s no need to include much (if any) plot summary. Write as though your audience is already familiar

with the story: they may need a few brief reminders here and there, but they do not need you to rehash

the entire plot.

You are welcome to bring outside sources into your essay, but do not over-rely on the ideas of others.

Your sources should support your ideas, not stand in for your ideas, so outside material shouldn’t be more

than 20% of the essay. Do some prewriting to list your own thoughts and insights before looking to any

outside sources.

Remember the style advice from the Guide to Literary Analysis video. If you have any questions about

these style conventions, please ask!

Essay 1 Assessment Rubric

Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Deficient

D e

sc ri

p ti

o n

o f

th e

o ry

A concise yet comprehensive description of the theoretical lens provides the foundation for the critical analysis 10 9

A description of the theoretical lens provides the foundation for the critical analysis. Description may be verbose distracting attention from the argument and critical analysis. 8 7

A brief and possibly underdeveloped description of the theoretical lens provides a basic foundation for analysis. 6 5 4

A summary of theory is given, but

no attempts are made at relating it

to the critical analysis.

3 2 1

R a

ti o

n a

le fo

r

se le

ct io

n

The logic and rationale for the choice of critical analysis are clearly & cohesively established. The writer explains how/why the selection was made.

10 9

The logic and rationale for the choice of critical analysis are described; however, this may not be clearly developed throughout the analysis.

8 7

The rationale for the choice of critical analysis is explained. This explanation may be highly subjective and/or logically evasive.

6 5 4

There is no explanation of the purpose for selection of critical lens. 3 2 1

A p

p li

ca ti

o n

o f

le n

s

Clear, thorough understanding of postcolonial critique is demonstrated through systematic analysis using the critical lens. The writer uses many specific textual citations to support argument claims. 10 9

A solid understanding of post- colonial critique is demonstrated through analysis using the critical lens. The writer uses a few specific textual citations to support argument claims. 8 7

A rudimentary understanding of postcolonial critique is demonstrated through attempts to use the chosen critical lens. The writer attempts textual citations but they may not sufficiently support argument claims.

6 5 4

No application of post- colonial critique evident. The essay is merely a plot summary or basic character analysis and does not attempt to incorporate a critical lens. 3 2 1

R h

e to

ri ca

l s ty

le

The writing is clear and concise with attention to purposeful selection of communication elements. A variety of sentence structures is incorporated for effortless flow of ideas. Vocab is sophisticated and appropriate to the critical analysis. 10 9

The writing is clear with some purposeful selection of communication elements. A variety of sentence structures is incorporated for largely cohesive flow of ideas. Vocabulary is functional.

8 7

The writing is either unduly verbose or distractingly choppy. Little variety in sentence structures impedes the overall flow of ideas. Vocab is basic & generalized rather than appropriate to the critical analysis. 6 5 4

Little apparent attempt at inclusion of rhetorical elements. Little variety in sentence structures impedes the overall flow of ideas. Vocabulary is basic and generalized rather than appropriate to the critical analysis. 3 2 1

O rg

a n

iz a

ti o

n Argument is logically organized

with a clear and suitable pattern of organizational development. 10 9

Argument is organized with an easily identified pattern of organization that may not particularly suit the selected critical analysis. 8 7

Argument incorporates basic structure that may not suit analysis. Structure and organization seem imposed rather than naturally enhancing the critical analysis. 6 5 4

Little or no evident planning in organization and structure. The essay meanders without a pattern of development. 3 2 1

M e

ch a

n ic

s

Essay is completely free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Conscious efforts to revise and edit are evident. 5

Essay is free of distracting errors in grammar & spelling. Some errors in punctuation are noticeable but do not affect meaning and communication. 4

Noticeable errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation prove quite distracting. Prevalent problems with sentence fragments and run- ons impact meaning and overall communication. 3

Serious errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation prove quite distracting. Severe problems with sentence fragments and run-ons impact meaning and overall communication. A distinct lack of proofreading and editing is evident. 2 1

D o

cu m

e n

ta ti

o n

Proper APA/MLA citation format and conventions are consistently upheld throughout the entire essay. References/Works Cited page is complete and correct. 5

Proper APA/MLA citation format and conventions are displayed throughout most of the essay. There may be some areas where clearer citation is recommended. References/ Works Cited page is complete and correct. 4

APA/MLA citation format and conventions are attempted but perhaps inconsistently and/or incompletely. Some areas may be approaching plagiarism. References/Works Cited page is complete but with some minor errors in format. 3

No clear attempts at APA/MLA citation format or conventions. Plagiarism is possible. References/Works Cited page is incomplete and/or incorrect with serious errors that may constitute plagiarism. 2 1