Assignment: Literary Analysis

Assignment & Purpose

Explore a literary text or texts (poems or short stories discussed in class) and analyze how the literary elements work to emphasize or contradict the meanings. You will not simply make an observation about how the author uses an element in the text or an observation about what the theme is, but tell why the element is interesting, revealing, significant, or strange. Remember analysis is not about "one right answer" but an exploration of multiple meanings and implications.

"The Second Coming"

Requirements

• MLA format (heading, header, double spaced, works cited, etc.)
• Times New Roman, 12-point font
• Academic writing style (Professional 3rd Person Voice)
• 1000 words minimum (excluding Works Cited)
• At least ONE outside, scholarly source
• Analytical and Argumentative Thesis Statement
• Solid Analysis and use of Literary Criticism
• Solid Organizational Scheme

Course Student Learning Outcomes

• Identify the elements of a literary work.

• Develop a controlling idea/theme about the literary work.

• Organize information to support the controlling idea.

• Complete the writing of a literary analysis paper through drafting, revising, and editing using Standard American English and MLA format.

• Demonstrate critical thinking standards as they engage in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of literary sources in order to explore patterns and contradictions among images and present the complexity of multiple interpretations and implications.

• Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and offers fresh insights.