Response Paper #2

Choose one of the texts we’ve worked with during this unit and write a 1500-2500 word essay that
fulfills the following parameters. All inquiries should keep in mind the theme of the course, and use the
concept of “disaster” as a starting point.

Assignment Goals
• Utilize textual evidence to make an interpretation of a work
• Demonstrate ability to conduct a close reading of short segments of a text
• Use close readings as support for an argument about the broader meaning
• Show ability to think and write creatively about literature
• Deepen understanding of both historical and contemporary contexts for the work
• Understand the work as a unique ethical project

Assignment Requirements
• Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 1” margins all around
• MLA format (work titles should be italicized, quotations should have page attributions, etc.)
• Clear, arguable thesis statement
• Outside research—you must cite at least two-three sources aside from the text (including,
but not limited to: historical accounts, literary analyses, interviews with authors,
contemporary issues, etc.)
• Makes a compelling claim about the work
• Well-developed close reading
• Well-organized

Specifics

 Asks 2-3 compelling, interrelated interpretive questions about the work.

An ‘A’ essay will ask provocative, nuanced, unexpected questions that illuminate a new aspect of the
text in question. A ‘B’ essay will ask interesting, thought-provoking questions about an aspect of the
work we discussed briefly. A ‘C’ essay will ask interesting questions over sections we worked with in
class. A ‘D’ essay will ask expected questions about expected sections. An ‘F’ essay will demonstrate a
lack of familiarity with the text in question, or will focus excessively on one’s feelings about the text.

 Provides sufficient historical and cultural context to ground the concerns raised in those
questions.

An ‘A’ essay will use engaging, relevant historical or cultural anecdotes to stage their line of
questioning. A ‘B’ essay will recite relevant historical or cultural circumstances. A ‘C’ essay will
describe mostly relevant historical and cultural circumstances, making no great effort to frame it for the
questions at issue. A ‘D’ essay will recycle the material discussed in class without particular effort to
connect it to the questions and interpretation and will demonstrate an inclination to cultural
imperialism. An ‘F’ essay will demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the historical context and will
illustrate either excessive exotification or contempt for the subjects of the novel.
  Provisionally answers those questions based on close readings of 3-5 passages of the text, or
focuses on 1-2 motifs.

An ‘A’ essay will use well-selected passages and clear, well-developed, interesting explanations to
illuminate a new aspect of the text in question. A ‘B’ essay will use mostly well-selected passages and
clear, well-developed explanations to illuminate a new aspect of the text in question. A ‘C’ essay will
use predictable sections to address predictable questions. A ‘D’ essay will make some attempt at close
reading, often failing to choose a useful example. An ‘F’ essay will illustrate an egregiously incorrect
close reading.

 Clearly articulates how this text and your interpretation of it are useful to some intellectual,
political, cultural, social, or historical problem, and argue for how your close reading can be
used in relation to that issue.

Things to Remember:
 Words mean things. Look it up, even if you think you know it.
 If you feel like you’re over-explaining, you are probably just barely explaining enough.
 Save your emotional reactions to a work for the journals.
 Making generalizations is a sign that you’re floundering or are allowing yourself to be too
arrogant.
 People aren’t always the best readers of their own experience or their own work. Including you.

Texts
 Maus I & II
 Deogratias
 Homegoing
 The Buddha in the Attic
 Half of a Yellow Sun
 Salvage the Bones

Organization

Introduction
 Historical background, cultural context, and/or theoretical framework
 Brief introduction of text and author
 Thesis statement

Body Paragraphs
 Topic sentence that lays out a portion of the claim made in the thesis
 Example from the text and close reading thereof
 Connection back to overarching questions/claims/context

Conclusion
 Links close readings to some contemporary issue, whether social or philosophical