Major Writing Assignment #2: Literary Analysis on Conformity

Description

Purpose and Background:

Throughout this unit, you have been reading stories, poems, and a play relating to the theme of conformity.   A literary analysis can take different forms as you learned in the first module on writing about literature.  For this assignment, you can choose to focus on character, historical context, symbols, or themes.

Literary analysis essays encourage you to think about how or why a piece of literature was written.  To do this successfully, you need to remember that authors make specific rhetorical choices for particular reasons.  When you are writing your analysis, you should explore the author’s choices and explain their significance.

This assignment is aligned with the following objectives:

MO 10.1 Demonstrate fluency with literary terminology and be able to apply these terms to works read in the course

MO 10.2 Analyze literary works’ exploration of the human condition and the ethical and cultural problems of the time, and consider how such issues continue to resonate in the contemporary world.

MO 10.3 Evaluate and interpret literary works from ethical, social, cultural, historical, philosophical, artistic, and/or biographical perspectives

MO 10.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and techniques of the major literary genres

MO 10.5 Communicate clearly in a variety of modes and media

MO 10.6 Demonstrate continuing mastery of grammar, usage, and diction

MO 10.7 Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

MO 10.8 Demonstrate the ability to analyze communication critically.

Instructions:

Topic 1

Berenger’s transformation is the true metamorphosis in Rhinoceros. While the other characters physically turn into rhinoceroses, embodying the savage natures they had formerly repressed, Berenger’s change is moral and completely opposite from his position at the start of the play. Write a character analysis of Berenger showing how he was able to change his character rather than accept the presence of the rhinos.

Topic 2

The main character of the “A & P”& is Sammy, a teenager, who tries to rebel against the system and structure of social norms represented in the form of rules and standards typical for the A&P stores. His rebellion is a local reflection of those ideas, ideological and cultural changes which were developed in the society of the USA in the 1960’s. Write an essay that analyzes the importance of historical context in shaping the themes of this story.

Topic 3

“The Lottery” is filled with symbols. This story is in many ways a parable more than a traditional story. Jackson describes a society so mired in its traditions that it has lost the ability to even look at the reasons for those traditions, but instead follows them blindly even when they hurt its citizens. Write an essay discussing the use of symbols in this story.

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Topic 4

Discuss the themes of anonymity, conformity, and government control in “Unknown Citizen.”

Requirements:

• Essay should be a minimum of 700 words.
• Essay should include 4 different sources, two of which MUST come from the literary databases.
• Essay should include a minimum of 6-8 citations within the text.  Half of these should be textual references or direct quotes.
• Essay must have a works cited page that includes ONLY sources actually cited in the paper.
• All documentation should use proper MLA style.
• Introduction should include the title of the work, publication information, a little bit about the author, and a very brief summary of what the piece is about.  The introduction should end with a clearly stated thesis.

Tips:

• Your introductory paragraph should accomplish the following:
  • Introduce the author and the title of the work or works being discussed.
  • Brief biographical information about the author.
  • Clearly stated thesis introducing the topic and presenting your main points.
• Body paragraphs should develop the thesis statement using transitional sentences to move from one section to the next.
• Review the MLA module and make sure all of your citations are in proper MLA format.
• Make sure the only sources listed on the works cited page are sources that you have actually cited from in the paper itself.
• Make sure the works cited page is in alphabetical order using proper formatting.
• This is a major writing assignment so get help with editing and revising from tutor.com, the writing center, or your instructor.
• If you are writing on topic 1, you might want to read the following article on character analysis.
  • How to Write a Character Analysis  (Links to an external site.)
• If you are writing on topic 2, check out these helpful hints on historical context.
  • Importance of Historical Context in Literature (Links to an external site.)
• If you have chosen topic 3,  read this article on writing about symbols.
  • How to Write about Symbols (Links to an external site.)
• Finally, if you are exploring the theme in “Unknown Citizen” read this article.
  • How to Write about Themes
• Literary Analysis Rubric

  Literary Analysis Rubric

  Criteria	Ratings	Pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThere is one clear, well focused topic. Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed and accurate information.	10 pts Excellent 7 pts Good 5 pts Fair 0 pts Needs Improvement	10 pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe introduction is inviting, states the main topic, and provides an overview of the paper. Information is relevant and presented in a logical order. The conclusion is strong	15 pts Excellent 10 pts Good 5 pts Fair 0 pts Needs Improvement	15 pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe author’s purpose of writing is very clear, and there is strong evidence of attention to audience. The author’s extensive knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are eviden	25 pts Excellent 20 pts Fair 10 pts Good 0 pts Needs Improvement	25 pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAuthor uses valid sources to support opinions. Essay uses correct MLA formatting in the citation and works cited page.	15 pts Excellent 10 pts Good 5 pts Fair 0 pts No Marks	15 pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAuthor uses textual references to support opinions	10 pts Excellent 7 pts Good 4 pts Fair 0 pts Needs Improvement	10 pts
  This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length. The author makes no errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling.	25 pts Full Marks 20 pts Good 15 pts Fair 5 pts Needs Improvement	25 pts
  Total Points: 100