LIT 2330
Spring 2002
APPROACHES TO THE REQUIRED PAPER
M. Magellan
Subject: A modern work of fiction (realism or fantasy) for children or adolescents.
Consult the lists provided.
Assignment: Critical analysis of a specific element of the work selected, with
general comments supported by textual evidence including quotations. Under no
circumstances should you consult sources, whether print or electronic. Appropriate
penalties will be imposed on papers showing any evidence of plagiarism.
Length: 3-4 pages (minimum three full pages)—typed, double-spaced
Deadline: March 30
Suggested topics (Focus on only one of the following, though some may overlap):
1. Analysis of a single character
2. Comparison/contrast between two characters or analysis of their relationship
3. The protagonist's progress toward adulthood: the nature of the conflict to be
resolved and the hurdles to be overcome
4. Fantasy and fairy tale elements as applied to the work in question (separation—
initiation—return)
5. The function of setting to reinforce theme and characterization (such as the garden in
“Secret Garden”)
6. The use of literary devices to communicate theme: imagery, metaphor, symbolism,
foreshadowing, irony (single technique or combination)
7. Point of view: the author's manipulation of a single narrator or of multiple
perspectives
8. Careful examination of one central scene: its crucial role in plot development,
resolution of conflict, and exposition of theme
Possible issues to be addressed in introduction or conclusion:
1. Elements that define the book as a work of realism or fantasy: how does it meet the
criteria for the genre?
2. The book's place in its author's canon (collected body of work)
3. Its appeal to children and suitability to a particular age group or grade level
4. Characteristics that make the work typical (or atypical) of the period that produced it
[Do not open or close with biographical material on the author.]
Evaluation criteria:
1. Content: understanding of the work, validity of ideas, adequacy of supporting
evidence
2. Organization: introduction (ending with thesis), development of analysis, conclusion
3. Arrangement of quotations:
Brief quotation (1-4 lines): incorporated into text and enclosed in quotation
marks, followed by parenthetical page reference
Long quotation (5 lines or more): each line indented about one inch from left
margin; parenthetical page reference at the
end but no quotation marks
4. Style
5. Grammar/mechanics