English 2204 - Summer 2008 - Critical Essay

English 2204 / Summer 2008

Critical Essay

Assignment:

There are a lot of writers and texts in our "big" anthology that we just could not cover. For this essay, I want you to pick a writer from our "big" anthology with a story that is at least 3.5 pages long (see the attached list) who was not on our assigned reading list, and then read, think, and write about this writer, his/her text, and whether or not you would recommend the writer and text to other readers. Library and/or internet research is not required, expected, or even recommended; I'm much more interested in what you think about the writer and her/his text, in your responses, analysis/interpretation, and evaluation. (But, if you do use some research, be very sure to cite and document your sources clearly and correctly, using the MLA style manual, and include copies of your sources with your final draft.)

Make your pick based on your personal interests. (See the attached list and/or consult with me for suggestions; also just page through our anthology and skim the authors and texts we did not read.) Once you have chosen a writer, begin by reading the biographical head-note about your chosen writer. Then, read through the text a first time, just to get to know what's going on. Next, read through the text a second time, this time making notes about your personal responses (e.g., how does the text make you feel? what does the text remind you of or make you think about?). When you read through the text a third time, "analyze" it (i.e., make notes about what "features" are important in the text, how the text "works," what the text "does" or what it meant to do, how the elements of fiction work together to point toward some sort of theme). Finally, read through the text a fourth time, this time making notes about why you would or would not recommend this writer and text to other readers (e.g., reasons for and against reading the story).

When you begin to plan and write your essay, follow closely the "Paper Structure" outline given below so that you include everything that's necessary. Use the "bullets" as guides to get you thinking and writing -- you do not have to include every bullet item, but you do need to include all six major sections (and it's up to you whether or not you use section headings in your paper). In essence, you will begin by briefly introducing your chosen writer to your readers (your peers in this course) and summarizing his/her text. Then, you will want to share some of your personal responses and reactions. Next, you will want to share some discoveries that you made when you were analyzing and interpreting the text. Finally, you will want to either recommend or not recommend this writer and text by clearly stating and explaining the reasons which support your argument.

Paper Structure:

1.) Introduction (probably only one paragraph)

Introduce the author and title of the text you have chosen.
Perhaps provide a brief sketch of the writer's biography.
Perhaps provide a brief context (historical, social, political, etc.) for the author and/or text.
Perhaps explain why you initially chose this particular writer and text.
Perhaps "forecast" the main ideas of your reaction, analysis/interpretation, and evaluation.

2.) Summary (a synopsis) of the story (probably only one paragraph)

What is the story about? What happens? Who is involved? Where does the story take place? When does the story take place? Why do the things in the story happen the way they do? How does the story and characters move or change from beginning to end?
Or, what are the main ideas or sections? Or, what is the form and structure of the text? Etc.

3.) Reaction to the writer and text (at least one paragraph)

Your thoughts, feelings, ideas, opinions, etc.
What did you find interesting and/or unusual about the text?
How is this writer and text similar to other writers and texts we've read?
How is this writer and text different from other writers and texts we've read?
You might also consider literary movements or periods, etc.

4.) Analysis and Interpretation of the text (at least two paragraphs)

What is the main theme, message, argument, purpose, effect, etc.?
Does the text fully achieve its purpose and/or intended effect? How? Or, why or why not?
How do some of the various elements of fiction -- plot, characterization, point of view, setting, symbols, imagery, style, tone etc. -- support the main theme?
Are there other, secondary themes as well?

5.) Evaluation of the text (at least two paragraphs)

Would you recommend this writer and text to other readers? Why or why not?
What is the value of reading this writer and text, if any?
Think of this section as a "mini argument." You want to successfully persuade your readers one way or the other. You want to be very clear about your reasons for holding the position you do. You also want to adequately support your reasons (using clear reasoning, textual evidence, etc.) so that they are logical and convincing to your readers.

6.) Conclusion (probably only one paragraph)

What did you gain from this exploration?
Are you inclined to read more from this writer? Why or why not?
What are your "next steps"?

Samples (from English 2230, Fall 2004):

Sample #1 -- Connecting Royall Tyler to Susanna Rowson and Samuel Sewall -- click here

Sample #2 -- Connecting Judith Sargent Murray to Anne Bradstreet and Benjamin Franklin -- click here

Sample #3 -- Connecting James Grainger to Philip Freneau and Sarah Wentworth Morton -- click here

Evaluation Criteria:

Your essay will be evaluated based on (1) the use of the structure provided, (2) the clarity of the main ideas in each section, (3) the strength and clarity of the explanations and evidence for the main ideas in each section, and (4) a polished style, an appropriate tone, and the use of language -- reasonable “correctness” in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics -- throughout the essay.

In other words, your ideas and how you present, support, and explain them are most important. A pleasing style and tone will definitely help. “Grammar” will be taken into account to the degree that numerous errors will distract your readers from your ideas and presentation. A final word of warning: you are able to use the anthology and your notes as you write your essay, so be careful that you are accurate with your use of authors’ names, quotations, and factual details from the texts.

Formatting Requirements:

Your essay should be at least three (3) full pages long but no longer than four (4) full pages -- double-spaced and word-processed -- with 1.25” margins on all four sides, and a 12-point “normal” font (e.g., Calibri or Arial or Times New Roman). No title page is needed: simply put your name, the course, my name, and the date in the upper-left-hand corner of the first page; put a page number on all subsequent pages.

Rough Draft (Peer Review) Due Date: ______________________________ (four copies of a complete draft)

Final Draft Due Date: ______________________________