You have been asked to write a formal 5-8 page paper in which you analyze a science fiction novel of your choice from the approved Project List.
Essentially your analysis will answer the question So What? that a reader might pose after finishing the novel you have chosen.
You have been asked to cover the following points in your analysis:
- a discussion of how the novel fits into the genre of science fiction
- the quality of the plot
- the quality of the characterizations of both humans and aliens
- the significance of the science in the story and theme
- the significance of the setting in the story and theme
- a discussion of whether or not this novel deserved its award and why
- a discussion of whether or not you would recommend this novel to others and why
The act of analysis is literally the act of separating a whole into parts in order to understand that whole.
For your assignment you are essentially being asked to analyze the novel you have chosen. Your analysis will to demonstrate the novel's quality and its place within the larger genre of science fiction.
To accomplish this task you will discuss and interpret the points for analysis listed above.
Any analysis of a literary work requires that the writer understand the intention (i.e., the theme) of the work and how that theme is revealed in the course of the work.
Remember that the theme of a work of literature is the comment that the author makes about his subject matter, a revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society; an insight into the human condition.
Remember that the theme is the insight we gain from thinking about what we have read.
To determine the theme of a novel, first identify and be able to thoroughly describe the major elements of that novel:
- plot
- characterizations
- point of view
- setting
- patters, symbols, any recurring images
In the case of science fiction, you must also be able to describe the elements of science and extrapolation from science present in the novel and the relationship of the science to the novel's plot.
Come to a conclusion about the significance of each of these elements. Be sure you understand why every element in the novel exists.
Formulate a possible theme for the work and determine how the plot, characters, setting, science, and images support that theme, that insight into human nature.
Determine how well or poorly the author presents his or her theme; essentially argue for or against the quality of the work itself.
This perception of the work's status as a novel of science fiction and the evidence from the text you supply to support your perception of the work's status will be the subject matter of your essay.
The best kept secret about papers on literature is that they are argumentative: you argue for your interpretation of the work, using the text as evidence.
Your thesis statement will demonstrate your understanding of and commentary on the author's theme. Essentially you will be arguing that the author's working out of the theme--in the way that the author uses plot, characterization, science, and setting--does or does not warrant the high regard in which this book stands among readers of science fiction.
Your thesis statement (which can be more than one sentence) will contain the following elements:
- The author and title of the work being discussed
- The grounds (elements of the work) you will cover in your discussion
Remember that the purpose of your essay will be to analyze the work to demonstrate why it is considered to be good science fiction.
As you prepare to write your essay, be aware of the nature of your audience.
Your readers have read the novel, but perhaps not recently. Your readers do not have the novel in front of them. They know what happened but not why or how. Your readers have not considered the novel's theme or its place in science fiction as a genre.
Thus you will need to briefly summarize the plot of the novel and remind readers of the details of the novel's elements and you will have to present and argue the validity of your perception of the novel's theme.
Use the following strategies:
- Let the structure of your argument take priority over the structure of the text. Organize your argument first, then arrange your notes and evidence (examples from the text) to support your argument.
- Use the language of the text as evidence
- Tie each piece of evidence into your discussion. Explain your choice of examples.
Follow the rules of rhetoric.
- One idea to a paragraph. Summarize that idea in the topic sentence of the paragraph.
- Relate each topic sentence to your thesis statement.
- Supply details from the novel to support your topic sentence. Interpret those details to show the reader how they support your topic sentence.
- Supply transitions between paragraphs.
- Be sure to write a concluding paragraph that supplies closure to the reader by demonstrating that you have proved what you set out to prove in your thesis.
Punctuate titles properly.
Punctuate quotations properly.
Use MLA Parenthetical References for citations within the text. Be sure to cite the sources for all of your references, not just your direct quotations.
Add a Works Cited page. Use MLA Style for Documentation.
