Select one of the assigned works we have read this semester. Use MLA style formatting and documentation. Use the primary source plus 3-4 peer-reviewed literary criticism secondary sources from scholarly journals in the JSCC online library. You may also use a reference source such as biography. Length: 3-5 pages (4-6 including works cited page).
Place the primary text within a specific historical context and explore the cultural and philosophical concepts or themes characterized by its era. What period or movement is this work and/or author associated with? You should set this up in the introduction. End your intro with a thesis that presents an argument about the work in its historical context or literary period.
Analyze the work. Consider such elements as setting, plot, characterization, theme, point of view, symbol, tone, style, language, though not all of these are equally important, and you should concentrate on only those aspects that are relevant and revealing. How does the work use these to achieve its effects and theme? Go beyond simple plot summary or overview of the story here, and include analysis and explanation supported by outside sources. Here you should demonstrate your skill in correct use of MLA documentation and formatting as well as your ability to select and integrate valid secondary sources. Quotes should be carefully selected and integrated into your own sentences for maximum effectiveness. Organize your body paragraphs around your main points for this analysis.
Finally, discuss your story and its effect on contemporary culture. What impact has the work and/or author had on literature, culture, or society? What other works or writers has this author or work influenced? What traces of this work do we see in modern culture? This works well as part of your conclusion after you have summarized your main points.
