Write a paper on the theme of alterity as it figures in the relationship between Delano, Benito, and Babo in Benito Cereno. You are required to use Benito Cereno as a primary source, and one secondary source of your choice. You are to reference each in your writing.
At least 4 pages, standard MLA citation.
Introduction
– Opening line
– Definition of alterity
– Thesis statement, answering the question, “How can we understand the relationship between Delano, Benito, and Babo in terms of alterity, and how does this help us understand the message of the novella?”
Paragraph I
– Delano’s position in the novella – relate to alterity
– Delano’s identity
– Delano’s relationship to Benito and Babo
– How can we better understand the text from your analysis of Delano?
Paragraph II
– Benito’s position in the novella – relate to alterity
– Benito’s identity
– Benito’s relationship to Delano and Babo
– How can we better understand the text from your analysis of Benito?
Paragraph III
– Babo’s position in the novella – relate to alterity
– Babo’s identity
– Babo’s relationship to Delano and Benito
– How can we better understand the text from your analysis of Benito?
Paragraph IV
– How is Benito Cereno a transnational novel? Describe its transnational elements in terms of its characters, setting, message, etc. You’ll want to discuss Delano, Benito, Babo, but also the setting and the overall message.
– How does analyzing Benito Cereno through the lens of alterity help the scholar better understand Benito Cereno as a transnational novel?
– How can studying Benito Cereno through this lens help students understand the cultural and historical contexts of the U.S. and its relationship to other “global” powers during this time period?
Closing
– Reiterate your thesis
– Why should we continue studying Benito Cereno?
– What larger lessons might looking at Benito Cereno through the lens of alterity teach us about our own interactions with the “other”?
