Assignment: Slaughterhouse Five
LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY
LENGTH: 3 full pages (TNRoman, 12pt font, double spaced, no extra white space)
TOPIC CHOICES
1. What is the theme of Slaughterhouse Five? Remember that a theme MUST BE a complete, persuasive sentence that states the lesson/point/philosophy of the novel.
2. What is Kurt Vonnegut's point in writing this novel? What is his purpose?
3. How does symbolism develop the theme of Slaughterhouse Five? (Note: You must state the theme then explain ow symbols are used to develop it.)
4. Why is Slaughterhouse Five a controversial novel that has been banned in many schools? Why do so many high schools and colleges continue to teach it? This topic will require research.
Guidelines: Like all literary analysis essays, your paper should be persuasive and should follow standard essay format: Introduction, Body, Conclusion. Your essay must be organized point-by-point; this is not a book report. You should begin your essay with a creative lead-in of at least three sentences. You should end your essay in a thoughtful and reflective way, not just by restating your thesis. (However, it is not necessary for your lead-in and lead-out to "match.") Your thesis statement comes after the lead-in andmust include the title and author of the book in addition to a persuasive statement about the novel.
You should write an organizational statement and corresponding topic sentences. However, including the organizational statement in your final draft is optional. Your tone throughout the essay should be professional, formal, and appropriate. At the same time, you should try to develop a unique voice in your writing-your own sense of style-by focusing on your use of vocabulary, description, imagery, and literary and stylistic device. Most importantly, don't be boring. Long summaries are always boring, so avoid those, but support your interesting ideas with many specific details from the novel.
REFER TO THE GRADING RUBRIC FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT HOW YOUR ESSAY WILL BE SCORED!
Reminder: If you use, or adapt, another student's essay and present it as your own OR if you use or adapt an on-line essay and present it as your own OR if you plagiarize literary criticism and present the ideas as your own, I will know and you will face disciplinary action.