This essay asks you to develop a 6-8 page literary analysis of either Charles Brockden Brown’s novel, Wieland or Nella Larsen’s novel, Passing. Your essay should advance an original argument about the text using specific and relevant evidence from the novel as well as at least one additional source. The additional source may be a piece of scholarly literary or cultural criticism or a paired primary text (preferably a source contemporary with the novel).
The organization of the essay should proceed from the argument and be clearly developed and signposted with topic sentences. All points should be supported with relevant evidence and careful, patient analysis.
Formatting and Citation:
- MLA (parenthetical) or Chicago (footnoted) citations and style. Ensure margin, font, etc. is standardized.
- List of works cited
Deadline: Monday, 16 March at 12:30pm
Ideas for integrating additional sources:
Secondary sources:
- use an argument as a jumping off point for more development or challenge
- use a key term or concept of another scholar to frame your reading
- give a brief overview of other critical discussion of your topic
- use a scholar’s argument to support a key point
Primary sources:
- use the other text to direct a reading of Wieland
- put Wieland in conversation with another text
- use as relevant background to your argument
- use as evidence to support a key point
* Begin with the novel itself and your interests.