Modern
Literature – Literary Analysis #1
Due dates:
Outline and/or Rough Draft —
Monday, December 3rd
Final Draft — Friday,
December 7th, 2012
In order to expand your
knowledge of literature and cultivate your ability to critically analyze text,
you will create a ‘close reading’ analysis of The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle. This exercise will both extend
your interpretation of the novel and also foster your growth in critical
thinking overall.
Assignment: Your
task in this literary analysis is to develop a thoughtful, relevant thesis,
which you will then expand and support throughout an organized essay. You shall
use textual evidence to support and articulate your argument.
In order to create a focused close reading, you should
choose a particular passage, chapter, or small section which represents a
larger, overarching theme of the novel: think part-to-whole.
You may analyze any theme which you consider
significant and insightful. However, some particular ideas may include:
· Immigration and human rights
· Gender roles
· Classism
· Racism and ethnic heritage
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· Family dynamics and structures
· Fear and security
· Social privilege
· Humans’ relationship with the natural environment
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…and many more.
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Keep in mind, this is not a book report. You
should not just summarize a particular passage, but draw some deeper,
insightful conclusion regarding the passage. What are the big-picture
implications, ideas, and themes that the passage (and, by extension, the book)
communicates?
There is no page maximum or minimum; you should use as
much writing as is necessary to convey your understanding—to prove that you’re
an expert on this theme. If you need a number, though, shoot for five pages.
You must use MLA format. If you have any questions,
consult the MLA Handbook, Purdue OWL (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/), or Shane.
Tips for success on this
project:
·
Start early. The more time you allow yourself, the better your analysis
will be.
·
Ask questions. I’m here to support you throughout this project—you are
absolutely welcome to ask for help, to bounce ideas off me, or to just chat.
·
Choose a theme that really stuck out to you; then, find a passage that
completely supports your insight. You might struggle if you try to complete the
process in the opposite order.
Your paper will be graded by
the rubric below.
Rubric:
Literary Analysis: Student develops an insightful, organized close-reading of his/her chosen
passage from The Tortilla Curtain.
The analysis should be built on a strong thesis and supported with textual
evidence. The essay should be in MLA format with minimal
grammatical/mechanical errors.
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Format (25
pts.)
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MLA format, as outlined in
the MLA Handbook or online at Purdue OWL.
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Thesis (40 pts.)
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A thesis should be a
strong, focused, and relevant insight/argument.
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Organization (40
pts.)
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An essay should be
organized in a logical manner which most clearly and persuasively conveys the
argument.
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Support (40 pts.)
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An essay should include
frequent and appropriate textual evidence throughout in order to support the
argument.
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Grammar and mechanics (40 pts.)
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Grammatical and mechanical
errors can distract from the content of a paper if they are too blatant or
too frequent. Ask if you have any questions. Don’t rely on Microsoft Word.
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Insight (40 pts.)
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The most significant
function of the essay is to provide unique, compelling insight which helps
the reader understand a new side of the studied text.
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225 total points possible.
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