Description:
This assignment asks that you choose a character from any of the texts we read in weeks 1 and 2 and provide a detailed analysis. You should choose a character that you find “compelling” (though not necessarily your favorite character or a character you ‘like’). You will be discussing the character in terms of labor and identity and how their characterization is shaped by both. Don’t forget to discuss literary period (realism/naturalism) in regard to how the character is presented and the outcome for that character. Finally, make sure you’re using the vocabulary we’re developing to make your argument (for instance, describing the character you’re writing about as a protagonist or a round character).
You must answer both of the following:
- What job/career/labor does the character perform? Is the character wealthy/poor? How does this affect their lives?
- How do the conventions of realism/naturalism affect the outcome(s) for the character you’ve chosen (that is, where the character ends up at the end of the story)?
You should answer some of the following: - What are the character’s identification categories (race, gender, religion, sexual orientation etc)? Does that affect how other characters interact with this character?
- What seems to be the primary motivation of the character to do the things they do? How do you know?
- What are the character’s strengths? Weaknesses?
- Is the character fully developed as a round character? Or are they stock, foil, background, stereotypical etc? Does the character change?
- How does the character fit in the plot of the story?
Requirements:
Your essay should be an argument. As such, you are arguing for a particular interpretation of the character you’re analyzing.
• Essays should be between 1000 – 1200 words in length (not including the works cited page). All submitted writing should be double spaced and formatted as 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Essays should follow MLA standards for formatting (1” margins, left justified header, last name/page number etc.) and citation (in-text and Works Cited).
• Essays must build from a specific thesis that makes an argument about the character and utilize evidence from the text (but no outside sources). Example thesis: “In To Kill a Mockingbird, Bob Ewell’s socio-economic status drastically affects his interactions with and attitudes towards people of color.”
• Essays should NOT summarize the story. If you have more than 1 or 2 quotes per paragraph (or any particularly long quotes), your essay may be more summary than argument.
• Body paragraphs should begin with a subclaim that directly relates to the thesis. All claims should be supported by appropriate (cited) evidence. You must then interpret and analyze that evidence in order to support your claim.
• Your essay’s conclusion should (briefly) summarize your claims/evidence and provide a well-reasoned interpretation of the character you’ve analyzed.
Sample Solution