Project Summary: Literary Analysis 2: For the second literary analysis, select two or more texts from the class readings that seem to handle a particular problem/issue similarly, or that share a similar theme. How do the authors use language, tone, structure, character etc. to achieve similar meanings? How do the authors take a similar problem (e.g. how gender affects the perception of mental illness) and handle it slightly differently? You can also examine the use of a particular literary device or rhetorical technique (e.g., narration, dialogue, irony, etc.) across multiple texts. Find three to four elements from the texts upon which to build your comparison and determine the argument that you want to make. Remember that you're not just listing similarities and differences--you're making a claim about the readings. In 6-7 pages, support your argument with specific textual evidence. Keep in mind that this assignment calls for both analysis and argumentation. Other things to keep in mind: Above all: read the text(s) carefully several times and be sure you understand 100% of what you've read. 1. don't summarize or describe what happens--focus on HOW and WHY. 2. for every main and supporting claim you make about a work, you must have evidence--you should be able to paraphrase/quote from/refer to specific passages. DON'T quote long passages--only quote enough to support or demonstrate the point you're making. DON'T quote something and then say this shows that...: 1) Make your point, 2) quote/paraphrase, then explain how (1) and (2) relate to one another and to your thesis. 3. cite everything. 4. if you're comparing-the works have to have something important in common, otherwise you'll end up with two little papers rather than one essay. 5. be prepared to do some research--re: the author, the setting, details in the work, literary structure, etc.