Analyze TWO literary elements in Bless Me, Ultima. Take a careful look at how Anaya builds a theme throughout his novel with the use of two literary elements.
Here is a list of literary elements: plot, character, point of view, setting, diction, imagery such as metaphor or simile, symbolism, and style. Be aware that if you take on plot you do not want to summarize the plot of the book, but rather analyze how the plot or sequence of events builds a specific theme.
For this assignment, pick a theme and show how Anaya builds that theme through the use of the two literary elements you will analyze—you will need to make strong connections back to your identified theme.
You might consider the ideas that you worked out in the previous discussion post in this essay–Do you see any aspects of the hero’s journey in the novel, and how does Ayana use plot, symbolism, or figurative language as a way to build in these aspects? Perhaps you can consider Antonio’s dreams from a psychoanalytic view and discuss how Anaya uses the dreams as a way to communicate Antonio’s growth into manhood and separation from his family unit?
Aim for at least four full pages in the essay, not including the Works Cited page.
In addition to using the novel, please locate one source from the library’s database system to support your ideas. Databases that are specifically helpful for literary analysis include Jstor, Literature Criticism Online, and Literature Resource Center.
-Literary analysis looks closely at the text and the author’s use of literary elements to discuss and make interpretations on the work as a whole.
-In a literary analysis you should argue a point using the text to prove your assertions. Present brief quotations and paraphrases to help support your main claim. Discuss how the quoted material might be relevant to or support your points by focusing on smooth transitions into and out of quoted passages.
Grading Rubric for the Literary Analysis Assignment
Name:____________________________Final score_____________________________
Assignment requirements for introduction, body and conclusion
Not Done
Needs Work
Fair
Well Done
Introduction grabs the reader’s attention, introduces the topic, and is dominated by the writer’s voice (personality).
Introduction contains a clear thesis statement that gives your clear, strong opinion about your chosen theme and the literary elements you will analyze.
The body consists of several paragraphs that lead with the writer’s voice and clearly prove the thesis.
The body follows the basic principles of analysis (expressed in clear topic sentences dominated by the writer’s voice). These topic sentences clearly state a claim/reason and connect to (prove) the thesis.
Body paragraphs contain specific (not just general) examples from the text that clearly support the main claims/reasons and the thesis. The student engages in analysis and avoids excessive plot summary.
Ideas and information are explained fully enough for readers not in our class to follow.
Present ideas in an order that makes sense to readers.
Use strong attribution (signal) verbs for introducing paraphrases and quotations.
Clearly explain quotations and show how they support your argument.
Include a memorable conclusion that connects back to your thesis and explains why we should care about the theme or literary elements the author presents.
Is a minimum of 4 complete typed pages.
Mechanics—As a writer, you should…
Proofread carefully so that sentences are clear, concise, and free of errors—pay special attention to your personal error patterns.
Paraphrase skillfully so that the author’s meaning remains true but sentences and words are significantly different (not just a few words changed).
Use “quotation marks” when including an author’s exact words.
Follow MLA format: standard 12-point, Times New Roman font; proper heading; proper, unique title; page numbers; double spaced; 1-inch margins; properly formatted Works Cited page, and no extra spaces between paragraphs (after spacing of “0” under “paragraphs” in Word).
