Composition II
Write a 900-1200 word (about 3-4 page—Works Cited page is not included) literary analysis and research essay that addresses one of the following prompts. You can write about any of the literary texts assigned to you this term: short stories, poems, or plays (the plays that we will read in Week 6 is are A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and Trifles by Susan Glaspell).
Option1: Select one of the literary works and write an essay that argues a specific thesis based on that work and at least one of its major literary elements (theme, tone, setting, etc.). Support your analysis of the work with secondary sources.
Option 2: Select two of the literary works that share a common theme. Compare and/or contrast these works based on this common theme. Support your analysis of these works with secondary sources.
You must utilize at least 3 secondary sources in your essay. There are many different types of secondary sources that may be useful for this essay. For example, you could use articles of literary criticism, biographical sources about the author, or even historical sources to help you establish context and setting. All secondary sources must be academic in nature. Note: Your primary text(s) do not count toward the number of required sources.
A successful literary analysis and research essay for this assignment will:
- Focus on and support a clear thesis statement.
- Analyze details and literary elements in the work.
- Be organized clearly around 2-4 supporting claims.
- Not rely on summary too heavily.
Things to Remember:
- You need an original title
- Your essay must be formatted according to MLA Style. (Don’t forget to cite both primary and secondary sources!)
- Utilize all steps of the writing process to complete this essay. (Don’t skip prewriting and organizing!)
- Don’t forget to proofread your final draft carefully before submission.
- While you are using sources to support your thesis, remember that it is your voice that is the guiding force in your essay.
How You’ll Be Graded
- MLA Format
- The essay is as at least 900 words and includes a proper heading and an original title.
- The essay contains all of the required elements listed in the instructions above including a thesis statement, all required sources, and supporting details.
- The essay is well organized, and your central claim is well supported.
- Overall, the essay is clear and has been carefully proofread.
