For this paper, you will be analyzing Diamond Age. You have a great degree of freedom with this assignment, but I will suggest a number of possible topics, a few requirements, and some pitfalls to avoid. Choose a character in the novel and follow the development he or she undergoes over the course of the novel. How does the character change, what events or interactions affect this change? You can also discuss more than one character. You could examine their relationships, their similarities and differences, and/or compare/contrast their development as characters. Diamond Age: Nell, Hackworth, Judge Fang, etc. Symbols: Find an image or symbol that is used repeatedly in the novel. Examine both its intrinsic external significance (in other words, what it means outside of the novel) and the particular way it is deployed in the novel. Make sure you don’t just cite numerous instances of its use in the novel, also make sure you discuss the significance and impact of it on the message and focus of the novel. Diamond Age: Technology, Books, Clothing, Language. etc. Fairy Tales: This novel employs the traditional fairy tale, with certain differences. What is the role of the fairy tale in the education of children? What is it that these stories are meant to teach them, and how do they educate? How do they meet or conflict with you expectations of what and how fairy tales are supposed to teach children? Why are these stories so powerful (think in terms of symbolism)? Social Commentary: This novel describes a world quite different from our own, yet with distinct connections to modern concerns. What contemporary social issues are raised in the novel, and how are these concerns dealt with? What is the author’s message, and why is it more effective to treat it in this symbolic and abstract format. Theme: This is a little bit more challenging as themes are intrinsic to particular novels, but there are some generic themes that are applicable to both novels. There are also several themes specific to the text: Science Fiction: This genre is often used to critique, discuss or satirize current events and trends. How does the novel use the genre of science fiction to comment on our contemporary world? What connection do you see between the events of the novel and current concerns and events? Is the future world of the novel and exaggeration of already occurring trends, and if so what issues and concerns does this raise? History: Though it is a work of science fiction, the novel discusses real world history and potential future history. How does the novel use historic events and trends? What points are being made by having history effectively repeat itself? Culture: Examine one of the cultures that is described in the novel. What are its values and ideologies? What is that community’s relationship with other societies, with technology, and with education? What statement is the novel making about other cultures and communities and about our own contemporary society in contrast with these imagined communities? Technology: What is the role of technology in the novel? How is it used, and how does its use affect the human condition? Do people use the technology or are they used by it? How has technology affected and altered the ways in which people interact? Education: What is the novel trying to tell us about the nature and purpose of education? How are the characters in the novel educated, and what kind of education do they receive? What kind of concerns about education does the novel raise? Close Readings: Your paper must include at least two Close Readings, careful analysis of particular passages from the novel, including quotes, discussion and analysis. You will need to quote specific text and cite it. You will need to provide a context for the quotes (but do not just make this a plot summary), and you will need to provide an analysis of the reading that explains its significance in relation to your topic. Close Reading/Explication Instructions (in case you need them again); For a close reading you should be sure to first contextualize the passage, relating it to the rest of the work that it appears in and briefly discuss how prior textual events impact the passage and how the passage introduces events or themes of continuing importance. This should not be a general summary and you can assume basic knowledge of the text, rather this should be a specific placement of the passage in its context. Relate the passage to any larger themes that it introduces or of which it is a continuation. How does this selection contribute to the overall purpose of the work, and how does it relate to the author’s development of important issues. Consider the content of the passage. What narrative action occurs during the passage? What characters are involved and what do we learn about them through their actions or revelations? What is the setting of the passage and how does this affect your reading? You will also need to consider the language used in the passage and discuss any significant word choice, imagery, or literary techniques (such as symbolism, simile or metaphor) that are relevant to understanding the selection. Consider the sentence structure, punctuation, tone and any dialogue. Consider the passage artistically and aesthetically and at least address its form. Research: Papers need to reference at least four outside sources besides the book you are discussing. There are many articles and even books devoted to these works, but you do not need to use research material directly related to your book. The material can be about similar thematic, social or cultural topics. You don’t need to find material that is directly related to the text, and you can certainly use essays from you Signs of Life reader, though at least three of your research sources should be from outside the reading assigned in this class
