● Analyze This side of Paradise using one or more literary lenses and write a reflection on why and how the lens(es) were used.
In this assignment, you will be completing two tasks.
- Write a literary analysis that focuses on a theme or themes from This side of paradise using one or more of the literary lenses presented in Module 2 with examples from the text, author’s biography, cultural context, or other relevant sources.
- Write a brief reflection on your use of lenses, how they were used, and why you chose them.
Submit a paper with your literary analysis and your reflection.
Step 1: Literary Analysis
For the first task of this final project, you will write a literary analysis of 750 words minimum. You will focus on presenting a theme and using guiding questions from each literary lens to illustrate the theme. You are required to perform research for this assignment (at least three scholarly resources); if you use outside sources for biographical information on a text’s author, historical information regarding a text’s publication, or other similar sources, ensure they are properly cited.
Below is a sample outline for your literary analysis:
Introduction
Introduce your topic and what you will write about in this paper. Include the name of the novel and the author. Include the thesis and an outline of main points, and end on a transition.
Body Paragraphs
Depending on your topic, the length will vary, but there are some items you may include:
● Plot point(s) that further your analysis
● Discussion of the author (only if chosen criticism requires this)
● Discussion of social or cultural issues related to your topic
● Discussion of chosen criticism, examples from the novel, support from resources
Conclusion
● Restate your thesis.
● Summarize the main points in your essay.
● Leave your reader with final ideas to consider and end on a positive note.
The grammar and vocabulary should communicate meaning to the reader with clarity.
Step 2: Length and Formatting
The paper should contain a hook, thesis statement, relevancy, transition sentence, introduction
of the problem or issue, explanation of the topic’s significance, and a debatable claim. There should be 3 to 5 paragraphs and a conclusion. The paragraphs in the body should contain approximately 3-5 sentences and express your ideas clearly with transition sentences that link one idea to the next. This essay should not be written in first-person (I, we, us) or second-person (you) perspective. Each paragraph should remain focused on the topic. The conclusion should include a restatement of the thesis, final thoughts, summary of the main ideas, theme or lesson of the experience, and a closing statement. The paper should be a minimum of 750 words, not counting the quotes, cover page, notes, footnotes, endnotes, or the works cited page.
Note: While the directions say the paper should be 750 words, this means 750 of your own original words. The quotes used in this paper will not count towards the word limit. Use quotes that are no longer than 20 words; any direct quote that exceeds three lines of prose must be in block quote format, though block quotations should be rare, if at all. It is highly encouraged to exceed the minimum word count to analyze the thesis fully; meeting minimum requirements often means earning the minimum grade.
Word limitations help you think through your writing to communicate concisely and coherently, as well as to help you learn how to synthesize what you’ve learned throughout the course. A lot of words does not mean you have demonstrated understanding. Choose your words wisely and
Step 3: Reflection
In completing Task 2, you will write a separate paragraph on a new page after the Works Cited page that identifies the lens(es) you chose to employ in your literary analysis and reflect on this process. This reflection should be a minimum of 250 words and should explain the literary lens(es), why you chose them, and what perspectives the lens gave you that you might not have otherwise considered.
You may also write about where the lens(es) you chose may be important beyond a literature course, why literary lenses in general are important, and your personal opinion on the lens(es) you chose.
Helpful Hints for Reflection
● Be honest. You are not graded on having a specific opinion, just on the overall insight
and reflection of your chosen literary criticism.
● Consider why and when a particular literary lens can be useful.