August 15, 2012

SUMMER READING

Please read two of the following books:

CATCH-22 by Joseph Heller
THE HANDSMAID’S TALE by Margaret Atwood
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST by Ken Kesey
THE POISONWOOD BIBLE by Barbara Kingsolver
1984 by George Orwell

WRITTEN ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT: After reading two of the above books, you are to write a short analysis paper. (Instructions below.) Please note that an analysis paper is to be completed for each of the two books you have read.  These papers must reflect your own original thought. No outside sources should be used.  The essays must be typed and follow standard MLA format.

Choose a two to five page excerpt from the novel that illustrates one to two key literary elements that are essential to an understanding of the piece as a whole.  These “literary elements” might be the speaker or the author’s tone, an instance of character development, the novel’s symbolism, dialogue, diction, imagery or some other literary focus that plays a significant role in developing the novel’s theme or message. Do not summarize the plot.

Photocopy or type the excerpt you have chosen and staple it to the back of your essay.
Write a two-page typed, double-spaced essay identifying and analyzing the literary elements you have chosen, and how these element(s) support the novel’s theme or message.  Use short quotations or examples from the novel to support your position.

NOTE: Plagiarism is considered a violation of the school’s honor code.  All writing in the two essays must be your own.  Do not cut and paste or use information from any outside sources in your work.  Plagiarized work will receive NO credit, will be reported to the college counselor and will impact your qualification for scholarships and letters of recommendation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at jkatbridge@aol.com.

Thank you,
Kate Bridges 

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