Instruction
1) Write a page and a half mini-essay/test essay/written quiz. Do not write more than 2 full pages. Below are the directives and length requirements for EACH PART of your essay. See the attached Example for extensive discussion of requirements in the margins.
2) REQUIREMENTS
SETUP: Define the critical theory that you will use. DO NOT USE BIOGRAPHICAL THEORY; it either requires an outside source to verify biography and/or it's too easy and obvious. Feel free to paraphrase from the Literary Theory document I gave you in Week 3. Do not cite from the document though. Use a thesaurus and paraphrase. Lit Theories, at this point, are common knowledge. See Example. (Length Required: 2-3 sentences)
FOCUS: Give a sentence that clearly connects the theory to your assigned reading. See Example. (Length Required: 1 sentence)
PROOF: Using at least 2 textual citations from your reading, prove that your theory is insightful as to analyzing the story, play, or poem. Use the Academic Formula ENTIRELY and EXACTLY. Thesaura-size. See Example. (Length Required: Half page)
EXTENSION: Finally, introduce another reading. Make a connection between the text discussed in your Setup/Focus/Proof with a new text. This text will be also be given in the Colloquium. The connection is all up to you. DO NOT MENTION Lit Theory. It's the Extension! So, be sure it's NEW and INTERESTING. You can make a connection to theme, setting, character, plot, etc. Browse the units of your textbook for ideas. Use at least 2 citations from the new text. Thesaura-size
*Below is an example of how you should write the essay*
Zaabalawi: A Mythological Perspective
Mythological criticism is centered on analyzing literary works in terms of how the plot contains archetypal patterns. Further, the journey of the main character is often discussed as a representation of a struggle all humans face. The short story Zaabalawi, by Naguib Mahfouz, can be analyzed from a mythological criticism perspective.
The title character, Zaabalawi, is a saint that is highly revered by the people of Egypt. Yet, Zaabalawi is difficult to find; he is a wayfarer due to false charges brought against him. The narrator sets out to find him in order to request a miracle. The narrator states, “With the passing of the days…my pain grew so severe that I was sure that I would not be able to hold out much longer. Once again I fell to wondering about Zaabalawi and clutching at the hope his venerable name stirred in me” (196). The narrator seeks the miracle worker Zaabalawi for an elixir. This represents a universal theme of humanity. Often, we seek those that have other-worldly reputations to give us answers to our deepest questions and to cure our worst afflictions. Further, when the narrator finally comes in contact with Zaabalawi, he is drunk and asleep with his head on a bar room table. Yet, in his sleep – in the presence of Zaabalawi – he has a glorious, transcendent dream. The narrator states concerning his continued search, “I must wait, I told myself. I must train myself to be patient” (197). These words are relevant advice for all of us in our differing situations. The narrator’s journey speaks to the greater journey of all humans.
John Updike’s A&P does not deal with saints and miracles; it is a story of a teenage clerk, Sammy, who quits his job in defense of three girls who came into the grocery store dressed in bikinis. However, Sammy, like Zaabalawi, makes righteous decisions despite harsh consequences. If Zaabalawi is an archetypal character, then it only makes sense that we will see his characteristics in a wholly different context. A&P is set in America in the 1960s. Sammy’s manager, Lengel, immediately chastises the bikini-clad girls, stating that their attire is not apposite. Sammy notices that the girls are embarrassed. So, right as they exit he defies his manager and quits his job, knowing that it will be a major decision in his small town life. Lengel says, “Sammy, you don’t want to do this to your Mom and Dad” (58). It is clear that the decision to quit will affect Sammy’s entire family. As Sammy exits the store, he looks around for the girls, but they are gone. Sammy states, “...my stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter” (60). Sammy knows that both he and his family will incur consequences due to the loss of his job. One of the main reasons Zaabalawi is itinerant is due to the world turning against him. Both Zaabalawi and Sammy continued to make decisions that they felt were honorable.