Literary Analysis Essay: The Odyssey

1. Instructions: Analyze and interpret a theme, character, passage, or concept found in one of the literary works on the course syllabus. First, choose a work that you enjoyed or found thought-provoking. Next, develop an argument/thesis about your topic based upon your interests.(Literary works: The Epic of Gilgamesh,Genesis,The Odyssey,Sophocles Oedipus the King,Confucius from Analects,Beowulf Norton, Medieval Lyrics,Letter Concerning the First Voyage,Hamlet Act,) Be specific in your focus here. Do not simply summarize or restate ideas covered in lecture, discussions, or otherwise found elsewhere. Rather, use in-class examples and materials as a framework for developing your own argument. For example, if we did not discuss women characters at length in a particular work, a paper analyzing a female character might be an option. Try to choose a topic that we have not examined in great detail but which you believe serves an important role or function in your chosen work. Be creative! Feel free to write an essay that complements or revises standard interpretations. Support your argument with relevant textual evidence (in the form of short quotes) from the work. Use class notes and/or outside sources only as a starting point. 2. Mandatory requirements: I. Essay must have a clear thesis statement in its initial paragraph. This thesis statement should express an arguable proposition. Weak: “Oedipus Rex is work filled with irony.” Yes, indeed. However, there is not much debate possible here. It states the obvious in a vague fashion. This is not a passable thesis statement for this assignment. Strong: “Sophocles uses irony in Oedipus Rex to serve the larger message of the play: Fate is inescapable, and there is ultimately no free will.” Much more substantial. There is original analysis present here, with a clearly stated thesis that makes the reader wonder how you will prove this stance. II. Brief, direct quotes are recommended. III. No block quotes and/or excessive summary. IV. Do not reference sources other than the course texts (i.e. Norton). V. Use appropriate literary terminology. For example, note who is speaking to whom. Summarize events using the present tense, and etc. We will cover these conventions in class. VI. The essay must be at least 800 words and no longer than 1000 words. This is equivalent to three to four typed pages. VII. No work will be accepted past the due date listed above. NO EXCEPTIONS. If circumstances prevent you from attending class on the due date, you must arrange for the essay to be delivered electronically and otherwise. Likewise, if you are late the essay will not be accepted. Revision 1 3.21.13 3. Formatting and content guidelines Format: MLA 7 [consult online reference or class notes] Including Margins: One inch on all sides, left justified Spacing: Double-spaced, with no spaces between paragraphs Page Numbering: Upper right corner: last name plus page number Identification: Top left of first page only: i.e.: Name Pr. Velez Course Name and Section Date Submitted Title: Centered, first letters of main words capitalized; do not underline, bold face, italicize, or put title in quotes. [Body of essay commences directly below title in MLA 7] Font: 12-point, preferably Times New Roman, including title 4. Papers with the following issues will not be accepted and given a zero score:  Final draft does not meet the length requirement. 800 words is the minimum. I will not read essays that do not meet this requirement.  Any portion of the essay is verified as plagiarized. Please do not reference other interpretations here. I am interested in your ideas, your choice of quotes, your analysis- all in your own words. In the event that I find any portion of your essay is plagiarized, you will be provided with proof. This is grounds for course failure. If in doubt, ask beforehand! 5. Submission Essays must be submitted 1) electronically via the WebCampus email link and 2) in class as a printed copy. Identical versions of your essay must be submitted no later than the beginning of class on the due date. NOTE: If you have any questions regarding this assignment or its deadlines, it is your responsibility to discuss such issues before the final due date. For my part, I read each essay at least twice and will provide commentary and a clear rationale for the grade assigned. I invite you to send me drafts in progress. I will read them as a peer reviewer and offer feedback. 6. Essays will be graded in reference to the following criteria:  A clear and controlling overall idea and specific thesis is present  Sufficient evidence via supporting details is present  Effective organization of material, with transitions as needed  Proper grammar and style (sentence skills), correct spelling and word usage, and appropriate vocabulary  Proper use of the MLA (version 7) format throughout: see above  Thoroughness of analysis and in following directions.