Choose one of the literary theories from our assigned readings, such as Feminist, Marxist, Postcolonial, or Psychoanalytic criticism

(5 ½ to 6 pages, not counting works cited page):

For this research paper, you will choose one of the literary theories from our assigned readings, such as Feminist, Marxist, Postcolonial, or Psychoanalytic criticism (see Literature 1347-60), and you will choose two plays from our assigned readings to compare or one play and one poem from our assigned readings to compare. Using the critical theory of your choice as a guiding principle, you will write an analytical essay interpreting the comparison of the works you choose to write about. Be sure to develop a well-defined central argument articulated in a clear, comprehensive thesis statement that is reinforced by all your supporting paragraphs and summed up in your conclusion paragraph. Note that the texts you choose must be related enough to be unified by your main idea/thesis statement.

Requirements:

Give your essay a creative, relevant title and a formal introduction that situates your reader, generates interest in your topic, and clearly states your thesis.

Provide sufficient supporting paragraphs unified by your thesis and followed by a conclusion that gives a sense of completion and closure.

Support your thesis by quoting passages from the literature as evidence of your argument. All your points should be founded in the texts themselves, and you should quote enough to make that clear.

Assume your reader knows the story and only needs reminding of key points that have bearing on the point you’re making. In other words, summarize no more than necessary.

Use at least five peer-reviewed articles or books as secondary sources, quoting from each source to reinforce your argument. You can access peer-reviewed articles through the College Library’s online databases, such as Academic Search Complete, Artemis, and JSTOR.

Format your essay according to current (8th edition) MLA

Cite all referenced material according to current MLA guidelines, including parenthetical documentation and a list of works cited. Be sure to indicate and document all the ideas you take from your research.