Assignment
After choosing ONE of the questions below (or one of your own that you have run by me before writing the rough draft), write an essay which answers it. This is an argumentative essay, so you need to include a clear thesis which states your point, and the three or four reasons (taken from the story you're writing about) which led you to your point.
Your paragraphs should be constructed around your reasons, and each should offer examples from the story to prove the validity of your claim, and then a clear and detailed explanation of how and why these examples support the claim in your paragraph.
While this essay must include at least three secondary sources (see Secondary Sources page), the main emphasis is on your own thinking: the research doesn't determine what you say in your essay -- you do. The quotations from literary critics, the author's letters, or other books from the time period will support your own ideas.
Requirements
A minimum of 1150 words is required, as are a minimum of two secondary sources (reminder -- general encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the primary source itself do not count as secondary sources -- though if used, they have to be cited).
Sources
The first place to check for sources is the textbook, particularly the section "The Literature of the South.". The next place would be the library's databases (accessed via the Library Link). History, psychology, anthropology, or sociology textbooks are also very good sources.
NOTE: No open internet will be used in this essay. Failure to do so will mean an automatic D
And last time I checked, Sparknotes, Cliffnotes, encyclopedias or dictionaries were not academic sources. |
Naturally, you must correctly document your sources using MLA parenthetical documentation style.
Directions
Be sure you have read and understood the definitions of an essay, thesis and division statement, topic sentences, introduction, and conclusion included in "Dr. Bordelon's Glossary."
Follow the suggestions in "Planning and Drafting an Essay." Remember to check with me if you have any questions or concerns.
Remember that while your final draft must include secondary sources, the bulk of your quotes/examples must be from the primary source/s. If your essay contains only a few quotes from the primary source, your grade will reflect this lack of work with the issue at hand -- namely, the story/novel itself.
Topics
- What do the stories suggest about race relations in the American South in the mid twentieth century? After narrowing down to a specific point, write an essay which uses at least two stories to argue the validity of your view.
- All of these stories involve an epiphany or initiation of some kind (see "What is an Initiation Story?" page 254). Choose one story and after stating what the main character learns, explain how the story shows this.
- Explain the role of violence in these stories: what is its purpose? Choose one or two stories and after narrowing down to a specific point, write an essay that argues the validity of your view.
- O'Connor often uses religious themes -- grace, salvation, redemption, sin -- in her work. How does she move from the sacred to the secular? Write an essay arguing how the religious ideas in her work connect to broader, more generally humanist ideas.
- Using any of the stories in this unit, explain how point of view works to enhance the theme in the story.
- Take a specific symbol from one of the works (for instance, animals in "Battle" or fire in "Revelation") and explain how it shapes our understanding of a particular idea or theme in the story.
- A question of your own approved by me via email before the rough draft is due.
For all questions, you'll make a clear statement -- the stories suggest ____ about _____ -- and then follow this with a list of your divisions.
Grading Criteria
To receive a passing grade, you must successfully complete the following:
Organization: Have a clear thesis statement which suggests how a particular question is valid. You must also include a clear division statement which is then developed in separate paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
Content: Paragraphs that use specific quotes and examples from the story to prove your point -- AND a full and complete discussion on why and how that particular quote or word proves your point. REMEMBER: examples do not speak for themselves -- the core of a good literary essay is in your commentary and explanations of the examples.
Proofreading: Sentences that are clear and no more than 5 major errors. Correctly documented sources: at least three outside sources (such as literary criticism, letters of the author, interviews, other works by the author) are needed.
Major errors: Sentence fragments, run-on sentences, verb-tense error, subject-verb agreement error, unclear phrasing/tangled wording, documentation, formatting, and spelling/wrong word error.
© David Bordelon
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