Write an essay in which you define/explain psychoanalytic literary theory (1 to 2 pages.), and then apply that theory to an analysis on Emergency by Denis Johnson. In other words, apply a particular theory to a work of literature in order to give readers a new and different perspective on the work. You must also quote and/or paraphrase and cite at least five outside sources (and include a Works Cited page) that help you define the literary theory youre focusing on in your analysis.

Final draft: double-spaced, MLA style, 1-inch margins, 5.5 to 7 pages (not including works cited page

Assignment: Write an essay in which you define/explain psychoanalytic literary theory (1 to 2 pages.), and then apply that theory to an analysis on Emergency by Denis Johnson. In other words, apply a particular theory to a work of literature in order to give readers a new and different perspective on the work. You must also quote and/or paraphrase and cite at least five outside sources (and include a Works Cited page) that help you define the literary theory youre focusing on in your analysis.

Additional requirements: Id like you to use one work of literature (i.e., one of the novels or a short story) and at least five researched sources (sources that help you define the literary theory on which youre focusing). Be sure that your sources are reliableand, ultimately, your sources should be used to help you form a well-developed, insightful analysis of the literature. (In other words, the bulk of your essay should include your analysis.) These sources should actually be USED in the essay: quoted/paraphrased, cited in parenthetical references, and included in the Works Cited page.

One possible (general) way of organizing this essay:

Introduction that identifies the story, author, and the literary theory that youre applying to the literature youve selected. The introduction should also include a claim (thesis) about the literature based on your application of your literary theory.

Definition/explanation of your theory that incorporate your five outside sources. You may use the information/research you found for your research project. Explain what the theory is and how the theory worksespecially the particular elements of the theory that youre focusing on in your analysis (you do not have to explain EVERYTHING, so focus, if necessary).

Analysis of the story based on your definition of the theory. Remember, as always, to focus your analysis on key passages in the literature.

A rough, brief outline of your essay (write one sentence/fragment for each paragraph):

Introduction (identify theory, literature, rough thesis statement):

Research (a few notes on history and background):

Research (what specific aspects of your theory will you be using in your analysis?):

Research (identify specific key terms from your theory that you’ll be using in your analysis?):

Transition (restate more specific thesis, as a transition to analysis of the story?):

Analysis (identify 1st quote you’ll analyze from the literature?):

Analysis (identify 2nd quote you’ll analyze from the literature?):

Analysis (identify 3rd quote you’ll analyze from the literature?):

Analysis (identify 4th quote you’ll analyze from the literature?):

Analysis (Etc.? Not sure how many quotes you plan to analyze?):

Conclusion (reflect on importance of your theory, the literature, your ideas, why readers should pay attention and care about your ideas…?):

Here’s what I have for my thesis :
In Denis Johnson short story “Emergency,” the main characters abuses drugs in order to escape the depressing world that he lives in. This drug use is affiliated to his id which ultimately screws with his ego and superego by affecting his ability to make good decisions.

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