I. The short paper is an analytical one that poses a thesis and only one related topic. It analyzes a
work of fiction and engages a literary criticism. It is based solely upon the course’s readings and
handouts. It engages one of the following:
‣ A dominant image and what it symbolizes in either Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” or Baraka’s
Dutchman or Ellison’s “Battle Royal”
‣ The theme of either Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” or Baraka’s Dutchman or Ellison’s “Battle
Royal”
‣ A dominant image and what it symbolizes in one of Baraka’s poems of this course’s readings
only.
✏ See the handout, “Literary Terms,” for the definitions of “image,” “symbolism,” and “theme.”
✏ See the handout, “Literature and Literary Criticism” from which to select the type of literary
criticism being used.
II. The analysis develops only one topic; therefore, keep your approach simple. Its structure is as
follows:
➢ A very short introduction that includes a brief summary of the work and the paper’s one-topic
thesis. The introduction is not to exceed four sentences.
➢ The body that analyzes only one topic. Quoting from the reading/s and explanation/s in
relation to the topic is expected. It is acceptable to break the long paragraph into two short
ones but still focus on the one topic.
➢ A formal conclusion is not required; however, a sentence or two that provide a closing
thought or unique perspective on the topic is expected.
III. Your paper adheres to the standards of Edited English and abides by the following:
‣ The use of correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling, except when quoting from a source;
‣ No use of first-and second-person pronouns (I, my, we, our, us, you, and your), except when
quoting from a source;
‣ No use of contractions, abbreviations, and symbols, except when quoting from a source;
‣ This is not a research paper; therefore, no additional research is necessary or required. Since
you are expected to use only this course’s materials, no Work Cited or Reference page is
required. You are still expected to use parenthetical documentation when you have quoted
from a source to avoid plagiarism.
‣ Do not announce. An announcement is the following and to be avoided:
o This paper focuses on….
o In this paper, the following topics will be ….
o This paper will analyze ….
o This paper explains/describes/discusses….
o Any variation of the above.
Paper’s length: approximately 1 -2 pages—approximately 350 words, not to exceed 375 words
