Critical Analysis of Narrative Techniques in Creative Nonfiction

Project Overview: Objective: To critically analyze how narrative techniques shape the presentation and impact of creative nonfiction. This assignment aims to deepen students' understanding of narrative structure, voice, and style in creative nonfiction, emphasizing the diverse "Ways of Telling the Story." Creating a critical analysis of a work involves a multifaceted approach that includes understanding the context of the work, examining its themes and messages from a unique perspective, and evaluating its impact on literature and society. For guidance and examples, refer back to the student examples from Week 1. Submission requirements for term paper: The final paper will be 3-5 pages long. Double spaced, 12 point font. Because I am not asking for much in length or word count, I expect the critical analysis essays to be sharp and well written. I do not want papers with fluff. Only include what you need to say, and proof read thoroughly. You must reference your chosen literary piece at least six times, and include outside research by at least two sources (these may be for the historical/ political context or anything you see fit). Logistics: 3-5 pages, double-spaced, MLA format Please include a works cited page Instructions: 1. Choose the Work You'd like to Analyze Choose one piece of creative nonfiction from the provided reading list. This could be a memoir excerpt, a literary journalism piece, or a hybrid essay. Alternatively, you may select a work of creative nonfiction (with approval from the instructor) that you feel demonstrates interesting narrative techniques. You may also choose one of the essays we read in class during one of the modules. 2. Read and Contextualize the Work Start by placing the work within its historical, cultural, and literary context: Historical Context: What were the prevailing social and political conditions at the time of its writing or setting? How do these conditions influence the narrative? Cultural Context: How does the work reflect, resist, or challenge the cultural norms and values related to gender, class, race, and sexuality? Literary Context: How does the work fit within or diverge from the literary movements of its time? Consider how it aligns with or challenges the conventions of its genre. 3. Read and Annotate: Read the chosen text carefully, making notes on various aspects of the narrative. Pay particular attention to the following elements: Narrative Structure: How is the story organized? What is the effect of this structure on the reader's understanding and engagement? Voice and Perspective: How does the author's voice contribute to the narrative? How is the perspective managed and what is its impact? Use of Imagery and Descriptive Language: How does the author use language to evoke images and emotions? What effect does this have on the narrative? 4. Dive Further into Themes and Elements Examine the text for its themes and elements. For example: Power Dynamics: Analyze how power is distributed and exercised within the text, especially in terms of gender, race, and class. Consider how power relations affect the characters' actions and relationships. Resistance and Empowerment: Identify moments of resistance against patriarchal norms and empowerment of characters. 5. Critical Reflection Your analysis should offer a critical reflection on the work's overall significance and your personal engagement with its themes. Consider questions like: How effective were the narrative techniques in the text? How do these techniques contribute to the reader's experience and understanding of the story? Evaluation Criteria: Depth and clarity of analysis Understanding of narrative techniques and their effects Use of textual evidence to support analysis Coherence and organization of writing Proper formatting and adherence to submission guidelines Ensure you use and cite sources that support your analysis. Here is a reading list you may choose from (but you can also choose your own reading): “The White Album” by Joan Didion Link: The White AlbumLinks to an external site. Overview: Didion’s essay explores the disintegration of American society through her personal experiences and reflections on mental illness and the 1960s counterculture. “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi CoatesLinks to an external site. Link: The Case for Reparations Overview: Coates presents a compelling argument for reparations for African Americans, combining historical research with personal narrative. “Thesmophoria” by Melissa Feebos Link: Thesmophoria by Melissa FeebosLinks to an external site. Overview: Feebos writes about her relationship with her mother, and how much we hide of ourselves as we grow into our teen and young adult years. “For Three Weeks, I Was a Phone Psychic for Miss Cleo," by Heidi Diehl Link: For Three Weeks, I Was a Phone PsychicLinks to an external site. “I'm a Trans Man, But I've Become My Mother” by Krys Malcolm Belc Link: I'm a Trans Man, But I've Become My MotherLinks to an external site. Overview: As cooks and homemakers, the author and his mother both play the role of their family's pioneer women “52 Blue” by Leslie Jamison Link: 52 BlueLinks to an external site. Overview: 52 Blue is a whale is the subject of Jamison's first essay in Make it Scream, Make it Burn, which begins as a heartbreaking meditation on what it means to be alone because you cannot be understood, even though they are in an ocean with other whales who it is calling out to. "My Mother and Alice Munro" by Bethany Ball Link: My Mother and Alice MunroLinks to an external site. Overview: Part of the enduring trauma of abuse is that we were never told “I’m sorry” by those who should’ve protected us 8. “The Greeter" by T Kira Madden M Link: The GreeterLinks to an external site. Overview: Madden's essay explores the complexities of her relationship with her mom who is suffering from addiction. 9. "The Fourth State of Matter" by JoAnn Beard Link: The Fourth State of MatterLinks to an external site. Overview: Beard reflects on her experiences of a workplace mass shooting in Iowa in 1994.