Term Paper
Write an essay of approximately 1200 words in length (roughly 5 pages, double spaced, in Garamond, Courier or Calibri, 12pt font) on one of the following three topics. The objective of this assignment is to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the texts and to use close-reading to argue a thesis. You should avoid using outside sources in this paper. The paper is worth 30% of your final grade; 15% for the first draft and 15% for the second (final) draft.
Topic 1
With each successive adaptation of the Red Riding Hood story, the author alters the character of Red to suit the tastes and expectations of the target audience. In our discussion together, we looked at how gender roles are changed and/or even reversed according the version of the fairy tale we are reading. To what extent can gender roles alter our understanding of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale while still "staying true" to the original, (or most widely recognized) version? Use at least three tales in your discussion.
Topic 2
In the Red Riding Hood tales, the figure of the wolf is a symbol of both darkness and violence. Angela Carter's "The Company of Wolves" and Francesca Lia Block's "Wolf" use the wolf-character in ways that differ significantly from each other and from previous tales. Discuss the extent to which these changing representations of the wolf character changes our understanding of the Red Riding Hood tales from earlier versions.
Topic 3
Giambattista Basile's "Sun, Moon, and Talia" is the first recorded version of the Sleeping Beauty tale. The Brother's Grimm version, "Brier Rose" is much more widely circulated and well-known today. Discuss the degree to which these author's use of sex and sexuality create and change meaning between these two and one other of the Sleeping Beauty tales.
General Notes
• Do not use secondary sources for the paper. Your own ideas and close readings are what is important here.
• Be sure to build a thesis that offers a strong and specific argument.
• Be sure to use the "claim/evidence/analysis" method in your body paragraphs.
• You must use MLA in-text citations and attach a Works Cited page to the end of your essay.
• Please make sure you "spell-check" before you hand in your paper. There are any number of errors that spell-checking can help you eliminate. If you don't take this step it shows that you are being lazy!