Your essay is to be argumentative in its approach. That is, you are to create a thesis statement that reflects your interpretation (your opinion) of some aspect of the works you've chosen. The thesis must have a specific focus. Once you have clarified this thesis, choose passages and incidents from the text of the works to argue that your opinion is a valid interpretation of whatever topic you've chosen. In your writing, I'm looking for a reasonable tone and for logical explanations and connections within the works. I don't want an essay based on emotions. I want critical thinking that reflects intelligence and thoughtfulness. Also, I do not want this essay to be a research paper. You are respond intellectually to the work or works you've chosen. Since you will be choosing your own topic for this assignment, I want you to clear it with me before you begin your essay.
The essay should use the standard MLA form of documentation that is included in the back of the Diana Hacker text, Handbook for Writers, which all of the English composition courses use on campus.
Format of the Essay
In writing your essay, I want you to adhere to the standard format for manuscripts; that is, type the paper, and be sure to double-space it; please be kind to my aging eyes and use a twelve-pitch font. A readable text is important, so don't rely on a weak ink cartridge. In the upper lefthand corner of the first page, include your name, English 243, and Essay #3. Be certain to create a title for the paper that connects with the thesis. On the second and succeeding pages, include your last name and the page number (Alvarez 2, Alvarez 3, etc.) in the upper right hand corner. For additional hints about how to write a paper about literature follow this link.
Confine your direct quotations to no more than approximately fifteen percent of your paper. And don't waste a great deal of time summarizing the contents of the poems. Rather, talk about the tone, mood, figurative language, rhyme, rhythm, and so on that lead you to your interpretation. If you do little more than summarize the poems, you will earn no higher than a "D." I want to know what you think about these works, how you interpret them, and how you evaluate them. As long as you are willing to support your points with evidence from the texts, don't hesitate to say "I think." Do the best you can with this paper. No one can ask more of you.
Due Date
The due date and the late date are listed on the syllabus.
Good luck!
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