The paper Understanding Existentialism: Connections and Analysis

Overview
This writing assignment asks you to combine your understanding of the “texts” we have recently examined, the concepts of existentialism, and your ability to analyze quotes/examples effectively. Your paper will be organized in four parts, each of which is outlined below. Your final draft should be three to four pages double-spaced.

Part 1: Definitions
Define the distinguishing qualities and characteristics of existentialism as you understand them. Draw on any of the following sources to help you craft your definition: in- class notes, No Exit, The Truman Show, The Stranger, “The Myth of Sisyphus” and additional research (be sure to cite your sources if you choose to conduct additional research. Any such research should be written in your own words). Be very careful in developing your definition of existentialism as it will need to be supported through examples and analysis in the rest of the paper. Your definition may be clarified by:

·  Comparing or contrasting existentialism to other ideas

·  Explaining what existentialism is not

·  Looking at causes and effects of existentialist characteristics

·  Creating an analogy or metaphor to illustrate your ideas

Part 2: Existentialism and No Exit, The Stranger, “The Myth of Sisyphus”
Using your definition from Part I, explain how that definition is supported in No Exit and The Stranger. Please use at least one passage from each to support your explanation. (Do not use “Hell is-other people!”) Your analysis of No Exit may include connections to The Truman Show and/or other pop culture. Refer to the analysis checklist and the paragraph you wrote about No Exit in writing groups to make sure you are clear about the expectations for paragraph analysis in this essay.

Part 3: Existentialism and The Truman Show/ Popular culture
Using your definition from Part I, explain how that definition of existentialism is supported in The Truman Show or another pop culture “text”. Use at least one specific example from the film/source. (To use an example from the movie, summarize your chosen portion of the film in 1-3 sentences.) Your analysis of The Truman Show may include connections to No Exit and/or The Stranger.

Part 4: Existentialism and You
Using your definition from Part I, explain how that definition applies or does not apply to your own life. Tell a story or give specific examples to explain. Be sure to include concrete details so that your writing is not too abstract.

Ultimately, conclude with what new questions you now have as a result of this unit. What still confuses you about existentialism? What has existentialism made you question in your own life?

THESIS: Your paper’s central focus is to demonstrate a clear understanding of existentialism as you’ve gained it from the texts and then apply that understanding to your life experience to argue that existentialism is or is not a valid world view.

Rubric:

Definition of existentialism:

·  Is your definition of existentialism communicated clearly and accurately with specific details?

·  Is your definition clarified and further explained through any of the suggested ways such as comparison/contrast, explaining what it is not, cause and effect, metaphor, or another way of your choice?

Existentialism and No Exit:

·  Does your passage chosen for analysis clearly support your definition of existentialism?

·  Does your analysis successfully explain how your passage connects to your definition of existentialism? (Did you adhere to the quote analysis checklist?)

Existentialism and The Truman Show:

·  Does your passage chosen for analysis clearly support your definition of existentialism?

·  Does your analysis successfully explain how your passage connects to your definition of existentialism? (Did you adhere to the quote analysis checklist?)

Existentialism and You:

·  Does your connection between your definition of existentialism and your own life use concrete examples to support abstract ideas?

·  Do you ask meaningful questions in relation to existentialism in an attempt to further your understanding?

Grammar and Spelling:

Errors do not distract the reader from the content of the paper.

Process/Deadlines:

Do you meet all deadlines? Respond thoughtfully to your peers? Respond to feedback from others?

DUE DATES:

Complete draft due

Final paper due

Checklist for Effective Quote Analysis

General Guidelines

·  Avoid plot summary

·  Do not use quote to summarize your ideas; rather, choose something that will hold up under scrutiny and is worthy of analysis

·  Use concrete examples to analyze abstract ideas; balance abstract and concrete commentary

·  Most of the paragraph should be analysis rather than summary.

·  It’s about significance: Explain why. Why is very important. If you're ever stuck, just keep asking why.

·  Stay focused on your topic

·  Make sure the quote matters in your analysis. Don’t just include the quote and then ignore it

·  Analysis advances an idea

Making Connections

·  Connections to the other places in the text (places that both echo or contradict your quote can be insightful)

·  Connections back to thesis/topic sentence

·  Connections to real world theories (existentialism)

·  Connections to other books you have read

·  Connections to yourself/own experience

·  Connections beyond the text: to society, current events, movies, etc.

Focusing on the Quote/Example

·  Analyze sentence structure

·  Discuss use of metaphors and imagery and figurative language

·  Pay attention to diction and tone

·  Look for patterns

Writing

·  Use effective word choice (diction) in your writing

·  Use effective syntax and grammar