Cultural Relativism in The White Tiger
Paper 2: Applying a Lens
4-5 pages The idea for this essay is coming from your mind, which means based on your own idea.
So far this semester, we have discussed several theories and terms as ways to read and interpret literature. For this paper, you will apply ONE theory or a glossary term to ONE of the texts we have read from this semester. Your argument must explain the significance of relating the theory or term to the text you have selected. What does it reveal in your reading to apply this theory to the text? What new readings might it generate? Use the theory or term as a lens to understanding the text, not just identify its presence in the text. That is, you must not simply demonstrate that the term or theory is seen in the text. You must also explain why it is significant to reading the text altogether.
Some ideas to get you started:
Examining the consequences of Othering in The White Tiger
o far this semester, we have discussed several theories and terms as ways to read and interpret literature. For this paper, you will apply ONE theory or a glossary term to ONE of the texts we have read from this semester. Your argument must explain the significance of relating the theory or term to the text you have selected. What does it reveal in your reading to apply this theory to the text? What new readings might it generate? Use the theory or term as a lens to understanding the text, not just identify its presence in the text. That is, you must not simply demonstrate that the term or theory is seen in the text. You must also explain why it is significant to reading the text altogether.
Some ideas to get you started:
Examining the consequences of Othering in The White Tiger
These are just some ideas and suggestions you are welcome to work with. You are also welcome to generate your own theoretical read provided it is related to the course. If you are unsure, feel free to email me or see me during office hours.
Final Notes about Paper 2:
A paper that is mostly or all summary will receive a failing grade.
You are expected to quote directly and sufficiently from the texts. Again, I suggest examining one portion or scene closely. If you discuss multiple scenes, you must explain how they are directly connected (i.e. you cannot discuss 2-3 scenes separately in 2-3 paragraphs; the connection must be explained).
You can use ONE outside source, in which case, it must be cited properly and must be relevant.
Any and all quotes, paraphrase, or external material must be cited in-text and in the Works Cited. All paraphrase must be in your own words and syntax (i.e. do not copy/paste and change a few words, even with citation). Failure to cite properly is akin to plagiarism.
Do not rely on other people’s ideas for this paper; I want your unique analysis. Under no circumstances should you use another person’s analysis as your own (e.g. from summary sites like SparkNotes, &c.).
And I have been uploaded the notes from our class. Please read it. And write down some ideas based on one of the following glossary: agency -- The ability to act on behalf of oneself.
biopolitics -- in simple terms, the political regulation of the body (or bodies)
cultural relativism -- the idea that morals, beliefs, &c., differ from culture to culture, and that these differences are equally valid
foil -- a character whose qualities contrast that of the other in order to highlight certain traits through comparison.
frame story -- a story within a story.
liminal space - the space between, a space of crossing, the space just before a threshold which has yet to be crossed (e.g. the space between dreaming and waking is a liminal space)
Magical Realism - a genre that presents magical/supernatural occurrences in an otherwise realistic setting
Other -- any person or group that is outside the norm, the dominant society, &c.
paratext -- the texts that surround the main text (e.g. introductions, acknowledgements, essays, the cover of the book)
sublime -- awe-inspiring, sometimes bordering on terror.