SPRING 2024 COMPOSITION 102: FORMAL RESEARCH PAPER #4 PROMPT
Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro presents a dynamic narrative and meditation upon a
multitude of themes and concepts in his novel Klara and the Sun, such as: the complexities of human
nature and what it means to be human, posthumanism, the role of articial intelligence and
technology in our modern lives, dystopia, environmentalism, loneliness, our relationship to death and
mortality, connection, and love. These themes each have radical consequences for humanity in the
realms of psychology, emotional landscapes and emotional literacy, evolution, etc.
Choosing one or more of the novel’s myriad themes (not limited to those listed above and discussed in
class), craft a 5-7 page essay analyzing how and why your chosen theme(s) is/are portrayed and how it
develops an overarching perspective on human nature. How are the themes of the novel related to
humanity and/or human nature? How are these themes relevant for the way we interact with each
other and with the world in these modern times—and how might they reshape how we understand
ourselves (past, present, and future)?
You may also want to consider the following questions, if it helps jumpstart/further your analysis: Is
Ishiguro optimistic in his portrayal? Is he prescient in his world-building? How do the ideas and events
in his novel connect to our world today? How does Klara oer insights on what makes us human?
How might our world shift and change—for individuals on a smaller scale and or society/collectives on
a larger scale—if we incorporated the themes of the novel into our own lives, or became more aware of
the issues presented?
Incorporate at least three outside sources (citing at least one quote from each outside source). Your
paper should be 5-7 pages long, typed, double-spaced, and in a standard 12-point font.
Here are crucial points to keep in mind as you begin planning and writing your paper:
● Plan your essay before you begin writing. This will greatly facilitate the organization and
cohesive ow of your paper.
● Keep in mind that your essay should propose a thesis, be framed with topic sentences, and oer
analysis and textual support. Remember that it should be well-organized and grammatically
correct. Be sure to save enough time and energy to proofread your essay.
○ State a topic sentence for each body paragraph, and ensure that each paragraph ows
smoothly into the next.
○ State your thesis and main supporting points in a clear and concise manner in your
introductory paragraph.
● Dig deeper into the referenced texts by using direct quotations and examples from the text.
● Delve into an analysis of the author’s words.
○ As always, be careful not to simply summarize what the author has to say or use the
question as a springboard for a personal response. Maintain close contact with the
specic prompt question and the specic text, and keep in mind the important
concepts and guidelines we’ve discussed thus far in class.
○ Do not simply state examples and leave them hanging. Do not simply summarize the
text; complete each thought. Ask yourself: Why is this example or quote relevant to an
answering of the prompt?
● Reference the rubrics to ensure your essay meets all listed criteria to the best of your abilities.
● Keep in mind that focus yields more depth of analysis, while too broad of a viewpoint creates
generalizations and shallow points.
● Do not simply restate what was discussed in class. Further analyze what we discussed, and
develop new viewpoints with greater detail.
