20th Century Novel Annotations: Historical & Rhetorical Context

Pre-Reading Class Annotations:

In order to enhance your understanding of your major work, you will be assigned a group in which to research one of the following topics, and provide a typed page of bulleted notes (as I usually present them) as an overview that you will present to the class.

  • Booker T. Washington v. W.E.B DuBois
  • Communism in the Black Community, 1920s˗1950s (pre-Black Panthers)
  • Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
  • “Redlining” in Major American Cities

Independent Annotations due Wednesday, February 8:

As you read your major work, use the following framework to guide your annotations. Include a Works Cited-style entry for your version of the text above your Annotations (like a précis). You should think about the novel as an argument. Each annotation must be 50-150 words in length, typed and double-spaced per MLA formatting guidelines. The page number and 5-10 words of text must be quoted in your annotation heading order to signal context.

Exigence: Briefly address what you think the exigence for the text was.

Audience: Briefly address who you think is the author’s intended audience.

Purpose: Briefly address the author’s purpose in writing the novel.

Logical Appeal: Three (3) entries containing examples of logical appeal (include a brief excerpt of the quotation with the page number and then a brief overview of the effect of the quotation you chose).

Ethical Appeal: Three (3) entries and their effect.

Emotional Appeal: Three (3) entries and their effect.

Organization: Five (5) entries and their effect.

Stylistic Features: Two (2) entries per feature and their effect. Include:

  • Satire
  • Diction
  • Syntax
  • Imagery
  • Figurative Language

Thesis Statements: Five (5) sample thesis statements that identify the argumentative purpose of the novel and describe language (rhetorical) moves that advance this purpose. N.b.: You must be descriptive, not merely identifying terms, devices, or techniques (i.e. “Ellison uses satire and diction to convey the isolating effect of racial disparity in America”).

Sample Annotation: War and Peace

Scheme of Repetition,pg. 1129, “Historical figures were not, as formerly, borne by the waves from one shore to another…”

Tolstoy repeats phrase “historical figures” at the beginning of several adjacent sentences to set up an assertion in opposition to the popular theory that “great figures” alone were responsible for enacting history. This works in contrast to much of the structure of the novel, which surrounds the specific actions of Napoleon and General Kutuzov, noteworthy historical figures who orchestrated most of the legendary battles. However, in this section of the novel, Tolstoy is highlighting the follies of these great men in light of the touching efforts of the families and other everyday actors on the stage of Russian history, and weighing their actions with equal importance to these “great figures.”

Rubric:

Development & Connection to Commentary / Thoroughness & Evidence of Analytical Reading / Sophisticated Style and Voice / Effective Formatting and Use of Conventions
Entries are logged, labeled, meet the length requirement, and, where necessary, establish connection to the author’s arguments. Appropriate text is quoted for context. / Writing demonstrates a through reading of the text, comprehension of commentary, and application of comprehension to analytical activities. / Presentation of notes is organized and professional. Understanding of the commentary is evident. Writing style exhibits mature writing and control of language. / MLA standards of presentation: margins, spacing, font size, heading, page numbering. Meaning enhanced by overall attention to grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
25% of final grade / 25% of final grade / 25% of final grade / 25% of final grade

Due Dates:

Pre-Reading Annotations are due before class for presentation by Tuesday, January 17th. You may email them to me prior to class.

Typed, Independent Annotations are due via Turnitin.com by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, February 8th.

This will be a major grade.

Adapted from the AP materials of Norma Wilkerson & the rhetorical framework of David Jolliffe.