Process Paper: 19th Century Prose Analysis Essay

Overview:

Practicing the skills that we have discussed as part of the Prose Question on the Free Response Section of the AP Lit exam, you will compose an argumentative analysis of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. As part of this assignment, you must develop a thesis that compellingly shows how the narrative and literary elements convey theme and meaning. You must select at least two elements to analyze (though, for the length of the paper, more than two are recommended). The elements selected may include characterization, setting, (name) symbolism, selection of detail, metaphor, tone, satire, etc.

Criticism:

As we have studied genres of literary criticism like historicismand Marxism, then it is within your powers to argue through one of these perspectives.As you do so, you should remember to address all of the necessary aspects of formalist criticism—that is, foremostly connecting elements of the text to your arguments of meaning—before launching into a more theoretical explanation. The essay will not be successful if it comes out of the work too quickly, incorporates too much extraneous research, and in so doing, doesn’t accomplish the task of convincing analysis.

Expectations:

Follow the rubric designed collaboratively by the class. As usual, process papers should be typed, double spaced, and MLA formatted. Font must be Times New Roman or Courier New only. Please make sure to include parenthetical citations for page numbers (you may need to number the lines yourself). Paper must be between 800-1000 words in length.

Due Dates:

Analysis paper is due by midnight on Monday, February 27th (at Turnitin).

Questions/Advice/Assistance:

If you feel like you need assistance in planning, or if you would like feedback on your rough draft, please make an appointment to see me in tutorials or conference time (when available). I’m here to help!

Grading Rubric:

Performance Criteria (Weighted at 25% each) / Effective / Adequate / Inadequate
Thesis Statement & Argumentative Content / Student effectively employs a convincing thesis statement containing two literary techniques or devices, and convincingly argues their connection to a theme found in the work. / Student has an argumentative thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work. / Student has unsuccessfully attempted to employ a thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work, or student has neglected to include a thesis all together.
Assertions & Connection to the Text / Student effectively employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects quotes to the theme with their own convincing analysis. / Student employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects the quotes to the theme with analysis. / Student does not employ two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and/or unsuccessfully connects the quotes to the theme with analysis.
Thematic Statement & Conclusion / Student has a summative, compelling conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a convincing thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student lacks a conclusion, or has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is unsuccessfully addressed with a thematic statement in the final sentences, or is missing a thematic statement all together.
Grammar, MLA, & Written Conventions / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are flawless. / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation show signs of proofreading and attention. / Essay is typed and not double-spaced, or not formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, and may or may not include parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation do not show signs of proofreading or attention.