Length: 750 words.
We began the term with Zadie Smith’s essay, “Generation Why?” (2010) and E. M. Forster’s story “The Machine Stops” (1909). Both writers depict different versions of the present and future, envisioning how aspects of communication, family, and education may change. By contrast, Sylvia Plath’s novel The Bell Jar critiques the world of midcentury Manhattan, from its use of the death penalty, to its limited roles for women. Your task in this essay is to pair either Smith’s essay or Forster’s story with Plath’s novel, asserting an argument about the worlds they address. What futures does each narrative suggest is possible? How does each suggest that the present can change?
750 words is not long (approximately three pages), so you will need to select a narrow focus that you can examine in depth. You are also welcome to analyze Plath’s poems, letters, journals, or interpretations of her work, but make sure you cite them. As you begin to draft your essay, you can build from your blog postings, addressing places or ideas in greater depth, but make sure your essay reads fluidly.
You must demonstrate appropriate use of quotations and cite all sources you consult, including webpages. Use parenthetical citations to acknowledge when you are quoting or citing others’ ideas.
Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, in twelve-point, and Times New Roman font.
Developing Your Argument
Select quotations and an image to analyze. You only need to quote when the language of the quotation matters to your argument. Otherwise, you can put a quotation in your own words.
As you return to the text, formulate an argument by asking what links the evidence you selected. Ask yourself how they differ from each other and other moments. These questions will allow you to answer why each instance is significant to the novel.
Consider the form and style of the examples you select. Analyze the word choice and tone. Where in the novel do the instances that you note take place? Why is this significant?
Be creative and take intellectual risks. Show readers of your essay what you want them to see. Remember that each reader interprets a text differently.
Essay Structure
As you plan your essay, consider analyzing two to three quotations or examples per paragraph. If quotations are more than four lines in length they need to be indented as a block quotation. Be selective and only quote the words, phrases, or lines necessary to your argument. In addition, fully analyze the quotations you have selected. Sometimes, you might deal with only one quotation or example in a paragraph if it demands that much explication.
Your introductory paragraph should introduce your claim and why it is significant. Remember that your introduction can change until the last minute and often it is a good technique to make your conclusion your introduction.
Each topic sentence should assert the argument of the body paragraph it begins. Your analysis in each paragraph should support the topic sentence. The topic sentence of each paragraph should support your claim in the introduction.
The conclusion of your essay does not need to repeat what you have already said. In light of what you have argued, make a connection to a larger context and suggest ideas for further research.
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