the coal tattoo

Length: 4-5 full pages (excludes cover page and works cited, neither of which are required here).Typed, double-spaced, 12 point-font.
The assignment:
“All history is local. Everything has to happen somewhere.” – Garrison Keillor. Silas House’s The Coal Tattoo tells the tale of two sisters, Easter and Anneth, and
their trials and tribulations in 1960s Eastern Kentucky. Though fictional, House’s novel is deeply rooted in actual time and place. For this essay, you will analyze
how the author includes descriptions of the landscape and culture of Appalachia in the book. Some questions to consider include:
 What kinds of language (metaphor, extended description, poetry, etc.) does the author use to convey the physical setting of the novel?
Illustrate with brief examples!  How is Appalachia essential to the development of the novel’s themes and plot (as opposed to merely providing scenery and
atmosphere)?  How does the physical location of the novel change over time and how is this change revealed in the text?
When citing directly, follow quotation by parentheses in MLA format with last name of author, followed by page number: e.g.: (House 121).
Grading Criteria
“A” Grade: Well-written, original, and insightful essay sustaining a clear, logical argument from beginning to end. Essay contains a beginning, middle, and end, with
clear and concise points throughout. Strong thesis, introduction and conclusion. Strongly addresses both the question and written assignment guidelines. “B” Grade:
Well-written, insightful essay. Most points laid out in a clear and logical fashion. Essay contains a beginning, middle, and end, with clear and concise points
throughout. Student understands both the question and written assignment guidelines. “C” Grade: Some good points, but uneven quality. Essay undermined by lack of clear
argument. Introduction and/or conclusion needs developing. Fails to address written assignment guidelines in satisfactory manner. “D” Grade: Little effort to answer
question, lack of central argument. Unsatisfactory attention to detail. Weak or irrelevant arguments. “F” Grade: Avoids the question. Assignment either not submitted
or lacking any effort.