For this assignment, you will be writing a short essay that focuses on a close analysis of one or two of the texts you’ve encountered in class. You may respond to one of the suggested prompts, or you can create your own prompt. The purpose of this assignment is for you to practice close reading and analysis by delving deeper into texts that we’ve read together. As such, you are not required to cite additional or outside sources, but you may reference other readings from the course to support your arguments.
Essays should be 4-5 pages double spaced (or around 1000-1250 words), written in 12 pt. Times New Roman font, and formatted in accordance with the MLA style guide. Completed essays should be submitted as a word document to the appropriate Canvas assignment channel no later than Friday, February 10th at 11:59pm.
A close reading paper is comprised of three essential components:
1. An argument, or put another way, your interpretation of the text. This is typically a thesis statement that articulates your argument about the meaning and function of the text.
2. Evidence from the text: Note specific words or phrases that led you to your argument. It might be helpful to keep a running list of relevant quotations before you begin writing the essay. You are encouraged to cite the text directly, but you should not be incorporating overly long block quotes—just include the most important parts of the quote and paraphrase it. See below for some examples of student essays that have successfully incorporated citations into their close reading arguments.
3. Analysis of the evidence: This will make up the bulk of your paper. How you decide to analyze the text is up to you. Generally, there are no “wrong” answers—you just need to provide evidence as to how you are reading the object and explain why you see it the way you do. That being said, the only possible “wrong” answer is if you completely misrepresent the text you are analyzing!
You may also include a brief description of the text you’re analyzing in your introduction. Ideally, this description should be no more than a few sentences. In general, avoid devoting too much space to summaries of the plot/argument – you should assume that the reader has basic knowledge of your text and focus on achieving a deeper understanding of the text.
Prompt:
What is the relationship between our individual and collective identities and a sense of place? How do writers and artists articulate unique relationships to their environments that are also shaped by race, gender, class, and their specific subjectivities?
