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WEBCT ORIENTATIONS
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WRITING YOUR LITERARY ANALYSIS PAPER

The goal of this assignment is to compare and contrast two works that are contained in your textbooks. You do not have to choose a work we have discussed as a class. Read the directions below and follow them carefully. They are your guide.

1) You must chose two works by different authors that have significant similarities as well as differences. As part of the assignment, you will quote from the primary text as well as include research from outside sources – a minimum of 3 outside sources is required.

2) Read each piece carefully and in one page, single-spaced, summarize the major components of each work (who, what, when, where, why, how). This summary sheet will be the final page in your literary analysis paper.

3) Type a college level term paper [8-10 pages, double-spaced – 12 point font, 1 inch margins]. Make sure your paper includes the following:

A] An introduction that introduces both works and has a clear thesis statement – this is a comparison/contrast essay, so make sure your thesis statement reflects that.

B] Body paragraphs that compare and contrast the two works. To do this, choose a specific literary concept we learned in class [such as vernacular literature, satire, psychology, romanticism, realism, theatre of the absurd] PLUS three of the following points: character, audience, theme, symbolism, and overall message (are both works saying the same thing about life or something different?).

**Note: story or plot is not one of the comparison options!

Each body paragraph must have a clear topic sentence that clearly states the point that is going to be analyzed in the paragraph. Do not use an announcement, such as this paragraph will analyze the literary motifs in the two works.

To support each point, you must use quotes from the tex or from your outside sourcest. Do not leave a quote to explain itself. Make your point, use a quote that illustrates that point, and write in your own words how that quote illustrates your point.

C] A conclusion that answers the following questions: What did you learn about each work by looking at it carefully? How did the works make you feel?  By comparing and contrasting the two works, did you learn anything about poetry, short stories, plays, yourself, others? [REMEMBER: To support each answer, you must use quotes from the text.]

D] Attach a works cited page

E] Attach your summary sheet as last page.

Grading Rubric