E1FC—Mr. Weil Writing about Literature
Reading literature is a powerful experience. It offers us new ideas that make us question our assumptions, and truths that remind us of our own experience. It can even offer a bit of clarity about things that may have been a mystery, or push us to notice what we otherwise wouldn’t have.
Writing about literature—analyzing literature—isn’t about “dissecting” it. At its best, writing analytically about what we read is a chance to see the richness of a work’s ideas and appreciate the writer’s craft. It shouldn’t feel like a struggle to sound smart, or like you’re ripping apart what might have just been a really good story, and destroying it in the process. Instead, think of it as a chance for you to articulate your own thoughts about what you’ve read.
While the ideas in literature are complex, the truth is that there’s a formula to structuring this writing. When you’re comfortable with that, it gets easier. And there are simple ways to practice. Your response to the recent stories we discussed in class will be a chance to do this. For this assignment, you’ll develop and support an argument using a close reading and evidence from one of the stories we’ve read together.
1. Choose one of the statements listed on the reverse side of this sheet to support in your writing.
2. Re-type this statement, word for word, at the top of the first page of your paper.
3. In three carefully structured and fully developed paragraphs, support the statement using evidence from the story. (Note: for this assignment, do not write an introduction. Instead, focus on developing your argument and supporting the statement your have chosen.) * Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph should focus on supporting that sentence. * Each paragraph must include at least one (and no more than two) quotations from the story * Only use quotations that are directly in support of the argument you are making. * For each quotation you use, you must provide context and interpretation. * You must format and cite each quotation correctly, including a page number.
4. In your fourth and final paragraph, you’ll provide a brief but thoughtful connection between the idea you’ve discussed from your chosen story and your own experience or understanding. In other words, find some link between the story and your own life. This does not mean you have to identify directly with a character’s experience. That’s your choice. Instead, suggest why the ideas in the story matter to you, or how they might help us in some way understand the ways we grow up and learn about the world. In previous paragraphs you’ve been analytical, working from your close reading. In the final paragraph, be just as thoughtful and honest about yourself. Choose one statement from this list that you’d like to support in your writing:
In Toni Cade Bambara’s “Gorilla, My Love,” Hazel’s strong reactions reveal a strong-willed young individual’s struggle to assert herself in an unfair world. In Toni Cade Bambara’s “Gorilla, My Love,” Hazel’s strong reactions show her lack of maturity and an inability to understand the world’s complexity. In “Lies,” by Glenda Adams, Josephine’s decisions about when to lie and when to tell the truth show her confusion and lack of understanding of a complex situation. In “Lies,” by Glenda Adams, Josephine’s decisions about when to lie and when to tell the truth show that she has a deep understanding of her situation. In “Rules of the Game,” by Amy Tan, Waverley’s mother is more of an ally than an adversary. In “Rules of the Game,” by Amy Tan, Waverley’s mother is more of an adversary than an ally. In John Updike’s “A&P,” Sammy’s impulsive actions show his immaturity and lack of awareness of the world’s complexity. In John Updike’s “A&P,” Sammy may be impulsive, but his actions are justified, showing maturity and awareness of the world. In Jhumpa Lahiri’s “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine,” Lilia’s view of herself and the world is radically changed by her family’s friendship with Mr. Pirzada. In “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine,” Jhumpa Lahiri shows the struggles of immigrants who are separated from their culture. Karen Russell’s story, “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves,” is an allegory about why it is important to learn to live within a society and know its expectations. Karen Russell’s story, “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves,” is an allegory that emphasizes the tragedy of what is lost as we learn to conform to society’s expectations.
Guidelines: Approximately 2 pages, typed, double-spaced, stapled Times New Roman 11 or 12 point font, 1” margins
Due Dates: A draft of this assignment is due in class for peer editing on Tuesday, 10/9 A revised draft of this assignment is due in class on Thursday, 10/11