Assignment: Literary Analysis Essay
Write a literary analysis of the book "The Awakening" at least 4 pages, in MLA format.
Much like a rhetorical analysis, literary analysis involves examining the choices made by an author and how these choices are significant. In class, we have discussed how different elements of a story (such as the setting, characters, plot, etc.) can contribute to its theme.
For this assignment, you will write a literary analysis in which you examine how different elements of Kate Chopin's The Awakening help the writer communicate the theme.
You may consider the following questions as you write, but you do not have to address each one:
- What is the purpose of this story or overall theme and how does it achieve that purpose/theme?
- How does the title reflect the theme of the story?
- Are there any dominant symbols that are important in helping the reader understand the theme?
- How would you characterize the main characters?
A successful essay will
- Include an introduction that captures the readers' attention and a thesis that clearly defines your claim(s) about the novel. Remember your thesis should communicate an argument about the author's rhetorical choices.
- Build several paragraphs that analyze specific elements of the novel that work together to support your argument about the novel. Closely examine themes, characters, symbols, elements of the plot, or a combination of these things to support your thesis.
- Incorporate summary, paraphrasing, and/or quotes from the novel throughout the essay to strengthen your argument. Be sure to accurately cite all information from the novel.
- Include a conclusion that restates your overall interpretation/evaluation and considers the broader implications; in other words, what did you learn overall about literature?
- Defend your interpretation with relevant and sufficient evidence. I strongly encourage the use of other sources to provide the necessary support even though it is not required.
- Cite all information from the novel or gathered from other sources. You must include a Works Cited page with at least the novel.
- Adhere to the conventions of academic writing including correctness of grammar and proper MLA formatting.
Page requirement: 4-5 pages in Times New Roman 12 pt font not counting the MLA Works Cited.