Selections from Stillness and Other Stories (In the Jasmine Shade, Surveillance, The Angled City, The Daughter, and Where None Is the Number) plus The Things They Carried
At least 2 reliable secondary sources (literary criticism/analysis, film criticism/analysis, journal or professional articles, etc.). Sources may be indirectly related to the works rather than about them directly. For example, newspaper or online news source articles about the effects of war on a particular group (soldiers, women, civilians, etc.), or articles or studies about the topic, ie PTSD, isolation, control, cults, etc. could be appropriate. Also, remember online source and writing assistance are available through the TCC Libraries and Writing Centers. Use ALL available resources and let me know if you have questions.
Choose ONE of the prompts below and write an argumentative analysis of the selected works that focuses on how each work represents or explores the selected theme. Remember to consider what you think each work is saying about the theme.
Refer to the handouts and choose appropriate elements, conventions, or aspects to analyze that best contribute to your purpose. Because this argument is based on multiple works, you may choose to focus on one or two particular elements rather than 3 or 4 choose what is best for your purpose, but develop your analysis thoroughly and relate your secondary sources clearly to your analysis.
Prompt: 2. Using OBriens The Things They Carried and at least one of Brkics male perspective texts (Where None is the Number, Surveillance, and The Angled City), analyze how the authors explore their main characters issues of identity in their respective works.
Possible themes You are not limited to these themes; the list is provided simply to prompt your own thinking:
*Hope, or hopelessness *Deceit (Secrets and Lies)
*Relationships (family, lovers, friends, soldiers)
*Isolation *Fear * Survival * Identity or issues of self
*Humankinds capacity for violence, selfishness, bravery, kindness, or love (or some other attribute)
*Effects of war (on soldiers, civilians, family, country, community, region, etc.)
These themes are very broad. Focus on a specific aspect of your topic and develop your argument and supporting points using definition, description, analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and evaluation.
Essay Requirements:
Write an essay of 4.5 – 7 pages in length (does not include Works Cited)
Conform to correct MLA formatting standards
Make a valid argument supported by at least three main points, using concrete examples and evidence from the texts as the basis of your analysis and argument
Include a minimum of 4 sources:
o At least 2 selections from Stillness and Other Stories OR at least one selection from Stillness plus The Things They Carried
o At least 2 sources from reliable academic or professional publications (you may use web publications that meet these criteria). Look particularly at relevant literary criticism see the librarians for help if needed
You will need an appropriate introduction and conclusion in addition to the body paragraphs. Be sure to create a relevant, interesting title for your essay and to include a correctly completed Works Cited page.
Review Student Sample essays to better understand how to construct a successfully literary analysis argument.
See the citation handouts specifically for Brkic and OBrien in the weekly modules.
*Will need two secondary sources and Works Cited page.
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