Description
Preparatory Essay 2: Summary and Response
The novel Housekeeping is narrated by our protagonist, Ruthie. Despite the surface tranquility of their upbringing, Ruthie and Lucille have had a traumatic childhood. This book raises many questions about life, family, and choices, yet it answers few of these. The ending in particular, can be interpreted in more than one way. As you think about this novel, ask yourself, What does Robinson want us to take away from this work? Does it have a moral? Is this a happy ending?
Think about these key themes and ideas Robinson raises in text and select ONE that you would like to pursue.
In your SUMMARY, explore your key idea or theme. Your summary should be concise and focus only on the points that you consider to be relevant to the idea or theme you have chosen. This should take about a page.
In your RESPONSE to the novel, discuss at least three specific, significant examples of how this idea or theme is demonstrated in the text. You may use either direct quotations or paraphrase, but be sure to cite your work in-text.
The intention of this preparatory essay is for you to try out your ideas on the page before you have committed to a topic for your essay. While you do not need a formal thesis, you should have a definite, specific idea that you will explore in this preparatory essay.
Sample Solution