Write a critical analysis essay. You are free to write about any of the creative or literary texts weve read this semester, i.e., the poems, short stories. You may of course reference or discuss the none literary text we’ve read this semester. Your essay will be at least 750 to 1,000 words long and must be formatted in MLA style. For more on MLA style, see the Purdue University OWL at: OR the . See below for more on a what makes a good critical essay as well as the resources “Writing about Literature” in this topic section.
What Makes a Good Critical Essay?
A good critical analysis essay does more than summarize the text or point out the existence of tropes, patterns, structures, allusions, atmosphere, tone, use of diction, etc. in a literary or cultural text. Instead, a good critical analysis essay points out the existence of the above things, but then goes on to analyze them. That is, it explains and discusses why those things matter, what they mean to the reader, to the text, to the world, and maybe even to your mom. Strive to explain, discuss, explore with your reader what the text is doing and why (and maybe even how). Put another way, answer the SO WHAT? question. For example, yes Jane Eyre at times reads like a Gothic novel, now tell the reader why or to what purpose. This doesnt mean that in answering the SO WHAT? question that you have to make the text into an object of utilitythat is you dont have to show how reading Jane Eyrewill make the reader instantly rich, but you should do more than just point out a bunch of details.
A word or two or more about summarizing and quoting. As you write, you can safely assume that your reader has read your source text or is passing familiar with itwhy else would your reader be reading a critical analysis essay on Through the Dark Sod if she werent familiar with the poem? What this means is that you dont have to give the reader a summary of the plot. Assume your reader knows what happens. This doesnt mean you shouldnt or cant include a bit of plot summary, but do so purposefully. For example, you engage in plot summary to remind the reader of what happens because doing so crucial to a point you are making or you think most readers misread a part of the plot. Thus plot summary for plot summarys sake is bad. Plot summary in the service of making a point, furthering your argument, or engaging in a bit analysis is a good thing.
Quoting
Yes, you can quote, but do so purposefully. Think to yourself, what does quoting the text do for my reader? Think to yourself, why am I quoting this bit of text? Is the language important? Does taking a close look at the structure help my argument or the point Im making? Is it a part of the text most readers overlook? Quoting to fill up space or because you cant or wont think of something to say is bad. Quoting to call attention to the power of the language, the way the text turns on itself, to highlight an overlooked passage, or as evidence of point youre making is a good thing. For example, if youre arguing that a particular passage is rich with visual imagery that, it might be a good thing to use selective quoting to prove that point.
One or two final thoughts on quoting. Keep in mind that most literary (and even critical) quotes are not self explanatory. It is your job as a critic and scholar to explain the quote, to show how the quote fits into your argument or analysis. And remember, when you quote you turn over control of your text, your essay to someone else. If you quote too much, the literary critic in your reader will take over and hell start coming up with his own interpretations of the quotes. Its your essay, be in charge.
One last word or three on quoting.
but I’ve read well, and I’ve heard them said
a hundred times, maybe less, maybe more
If you must write prose and poems
the words you use should be your own
don’t plagiarise or take “on loans”
there’s always someone, somewhere
with a big nose, who knows
and who trips you up and laughs
when you fall
Cemetery Gates, The Smiths
You are responsible for citing all quotes as well as all summaries, paraphrases, as well as all ideas from others. Your essay must have a works cited page.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE SHORT STORY OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL:
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