18 Sep 2009 [ Prev | Next ]

Paper 1 Draft

First draft of a 4-5 page paper that demonstrates your ability to make an argument, supported by observations taken from a close reading.
  • Note that "There is symbolism in this poem" is just an observation. You might do a wonderful job analyzing the symbolism and describing its components, but a list of observations does not amount to a debatable argument.
  • "The flower symbolism in this work contrasts sharply with the protagonist's uncharitable actions, leaving the reader to question the narrator's reliability, which in turn makes it harder for the reader to empathize with the protagonist's sufferings."
Support your claims with direct, specific references to one or more texts we have studied in class.
  • Remember to make a claim about the literary work, not about "people" or "love" or "nature."
  • You may, of course, make a claim about how this particular work or author represents people, love, or nature; the key is to anchor your observations in the specific words that cause to think one way or the other on the topic you chose.
While I'm not asking for a paper that artificially divides itself up into "pro" and "con" sections, any literary essay needs to argue a debatable point, which means there has to be reasonable evidence that works against your claim.

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2 Comments

Dr. Jerz,

Did you say it would be okay if we revised and expanded on our first close reading papers, or should we start a new one with a different thesis?

Thanks,
Karyssa

You are welcome to expand on your first close reading paper.

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