What is a Literary Response?
Conveniently, a Literary Response is exactly what it sounds like - it is a response to literature. You read a text as a question and then think about how you would respond to or answer it. Think about the following questions: How does the text make you feel? Do you agree or disagree with something the author said? Are you satisfied with the ending or should there be more? Do you have anything to say to the author? In essence, you are writing down your reactions to the text.
The Assignment:
Using the "Introduction: What Are Stories?," the supplemental documents, and the lecture notes I posted on our Content as a guide, write a literary response to Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener" (264-300). You may choose to use specific literary elements (characters, setting, figurative language, etc.) as evidence to show your response is valid; however, keep in mind that this paper is meant to be your thoughts and feelings about the text - this is not an analysis. That will come later in the semester.
Summary VS Response:
Summary. Cover the main points as concisely as possible. Answer the questions: What is the point the author is trying to make?
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a short story written in the late 1940s about a small town that sticks to tradition despite the advancing world.
Response. This is where you react to the essay. Do you agree with the author? Is there something the author said in the essay that resonates with you? Do you have a personal anecdote that relates to the essay's topic? How does the essay make you feel?
Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" uses a misleading title, quiet setting, and slow pace to disarm readers and leave them completely unprepared for the unsettling ending.
Organizational Components: I. Introduction
A. Thesis Statement which should include both the author's name and the name of the short story. II. Response (Can be several paragraphs)
III. Conclusion
Paper Requirements:
Word Count: 650-800 words
Format: MLA
Sources: Yes. The short story you choose AND any information you look up to support your response. Due Dates:
Rough Draft: Monday, 19 September 2016, 11:59 PM to Turnitin.com
Final Draft: Monday, 3 October 2016, 11:59 P.M. to Turnitin.com
Revision (OPTIONAL): Monday, 24 October 2016, 11:59 PM to Turnitin.com Minute Paper (OPTIONAL): Monday, 24 October 2016, 11:59 PM to D2L Dropbox