Write an essay in which you develop an extended comparative analysis between two relevant horror texts (novels, films, comics, video games, etc.), including at least one from our assigned class readings. Broadly speaking, this type of essay seeks to answer the following: what effects do these texts create, how do these texts use particular techniques to create those effects, and how do those techniques operate in relation to the texts’ broader themes? In your answers to these questions, consider the ways in which the texts coincide and differ; in other words, what can we learn by analyzing these texts in tandem?
In addressing these concerns, your essay should consist of three basic parts:
An introduction, usually a single paragraph, identifies the texts (i.e., authors’ full name, title, year of publication/release), provides context, and culminates in an specific, arguable thesis statement (i.e., the interpretive claim you will support in your essay).
A multi-paragraph body elaborates and supports the thesis. Each paragraph of the body should include a topic sentence, textual evidence, and explanation of evidence. Throughout, use the methods and vocabulary of textual and cultural analysis—particularly “close readings” of specific passages and/or contextual considerations—while avoiding plot synopses and generalities. Your interpretation does not have to be definitive or “right,” but it does have to be based on sound reasoning and evidence.
A conclusion offers a final perspective on the paper’s argument—not a mere restatement of the introduction.
Incorporate at least five secondary scholarly sources (ideally, those identified in your Annotated Bibliography). Each source should provide critical support for your analysis of the primary texts and/or enhance your understanding of the broader contexts (social, cultural, political, historical, economic, etc.) in which the texts appear, especially as related to the course’s themes. You may include among your sources one or more of the scholarly works we read for class.
Guidelines
Textual analysis
Restrict yourself to a single, narrow topic, rather than trying to do too much.
Throughout your essay, support your thesis statement (i.e., interpretive claim) with direct textual evidence (i.e., direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries), properly cited.
Provide analysis that demonstrates how the textual evidence supports your interpretive claim.
Focus on interpretation and analysis, minimizing extended plot synopses, summaries, and generalities.
Consider text’s form (e.g., language and style), not just its content (e.g., plot and theme).
You may incorporate material from your Analytical Essay; I will not treat such expansion as plagiarism.
Use of sources
This assignment requires outside research (a minimum of five scholarly sources).
Incorporate evidence from appropriate sources to:
Provide relevant historical, cultural, and/or biographical background for your selected texts; both primary and secondary sources may be of value
Explain pertinent literary movements, techniques, styles, and/or language choices; for example, if you are discussing a Romantic poem, it would be a good idea to know something about the Romantic movement
Present literary criticism (i.e., interpretations and analyses) of the specific texts you plan to discuss; this criticism may support or contradict your own claims
When quoting or paraphrasing a primary literary text or a secondary source, make accurate use of MLA-style in-text citations.
Include a complete, properly formatted MLA-style Works Cited list.
Avoid plagiarism; make sure to distinguish between your ideas and those of your sources.
You may incorporate material from your Response Papers; I will not treat such expansion as plagiarism.
Writing style
Adhere to the conventions of academic writing (e.g., use a formal style; avoid phrases such as “I think that…”).
Structure: each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that develops your thesis statement, and the rest of the paragraph should support the claim of that topic sentence.
On quotations:
Include attributive tags.
Avoid dropped quotes Links to an external site..
Avoid unnecessarily lengthy quotations.
Clarify how each quotation supports your argument.
Avoid ending paragraphs with quotations.
Use the present tense when referring to a text (e.g., “Cohen argues that…”).
Eschew sweeping generalizations (e.g., “In today’s society…,” “Due to human nature…”).
Limit use of passive voice.
Do not overuse the verb “to be” (“is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” etc.); in fact, English has many verbs.
Do not abuse adverbs (e.g., “very”).
Do not use exclamation points, ever (unless in a quotation)!!!
Do not use “this” as an unsupported pronoun; “this” what?
Please, please, please learn the different uses of the word “however” Links to an external site. and how to punctuate each of them properly.
Do not underline or bold the title of your paper, put it quotation marks, enlarge the font, or skip extra lines.
