These are the requirements I was given:
Topic to write about: Frederick Douglass emphasizes the power of written language throughout his Narrative. Examine the status and value of written language as depicted in the text, looking at moments such as the forged documents during Douglass’ first escape attempt and Douglass ending the text with the signature of his new name.
An introductory paragraph with a thesis statement that presents an argument for the reader
• Supporting body paragraphs that offer evidence (textual support) to back up your argument
• Transitions (i.e., transitional sentences, transitional word and phrases) that connect your ideas smoothly and logically
• A conclusion that sums up your argument and indicates why it is important
• A Works Cited page that adheres to MLA 8 guidelines.
This is not a research paper. Therefore, you are not required to use outside sources for this paper. Your primary aim should be to construct a meaningful reading of some aspect of a work that stays close to the text as it develops. You should support your claims with quotations, but you should also carefully analyze those quotations; do not assume that the meaning is transparent. If you do choose to use outside sources, be sure to document them follow MLA guidelines. Do not use an outside source as a replacement for your own analysis; it is best used as a point-of-departure for amplifying a particular point.
Even if you do not use outside sources, you must have a Works Cited page that would consist of your primary source(s), i.e., the work(s) from The Norton Anthology of World Literature. When you quote from your primary source, provide page or line numbers, as appropriate.
