The Quest Literary Comparison – 100 Pts.
Writing Prompt: After reading The Bean Trees, you need to write a three (3) to four (4)
page literary comparison of the novel with another quest that we reviewed in class. In your thesis
statement, answer the following question:
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How do quests help provide the reader with insight into human nature?
The following elements should also be included in your literary comparison:
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You should have an introduction paragraph that introduces your topic of discussion,
contains a thesis statement, and highlights the main points you plan to discuss.
Near the beginning of your paper, explain to your audience what a quest is according to
our class discussion and Thomas C. Foster’s article “Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When
It’s Not)”. Use the following citation on your works cited page:
o Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature like a Professor: a Lively and
Entertaining Guide to Reading between the Lines. New York: Harper,
2003. Print.
Pick a quest from the following list and compare The Bean Trees with that quest.
o Beowulf
o The Iliad by Homer
o “The Pardoner’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer
o “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer
o “Federigo’s Falcon” Giovanni Boccaccio
o “Her First Elk” by Rick Bass
When making your comparison, work on presenting a structured criticism that is clear
and concise. Do not jump back and forth between The Bean Trees and your other piece of
literature, but rather focus on explaining the elements from one text and then shift your
focus to the other.
You must quote from The Bean Trees and your other piece of literature. You may have
no more than two quotes a page. The quotes can be no longer than 3 lines on Microsoft
Word. Make sure you utilize parenthetical references and have a works cited page.
Remember, focus on how The Bean Trees and your other quest text reveal insights
into human nature. Don’t give a summary of the texts, but highlight the quest
elements in the texts that reveal human nature.
Finally, have a conclusion that revisits the thesis statement and main points. Leave the
reader with something that is impressionable.