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272 G: mythological voice and analysis (essay #1)

 

This essay combines genres you may have learned in English 100, the narrative and literary analysis genres. The focal point of this essay is to consider the voice of characters in works that we have been looking at thus far in the class—voices from fairy tales and movies we have seen in class. In a practical sense, I want you to develop a critical awareness of voice and perspective, so that when you arrive in a work-based context, you can begin to see the motives and decision-making processes that are demonstrated by your employer, colleagues, and employees.

Option One: Write in the voice of a fairy tale character and analyze, or other voices we've covered in class.

*Perseus, Medusa, Shambleau, Northwest Smith are acceptable characters to choose

Option Two: Write in the voice of a filmic character from our DVD and analyze

*Mercedes, Captain Vidal, Ofelia, Carmen, etc., are acceptable characters to choose

Overview: You should choose to write in an excerpt format.for the narrative section (2 pages) and also in an excerpt format for the analytical section (2 pages). The narrative section should be written in the voice of a character, from their perspective. Use description, dialogue, and action verbs for emotive effect from your audience.

In the analytical section, you should attempt to

--use two literary terms we have picked up in class;

--use one outside resource better than Wikipedia;

--analyze the "effect" of your selected narrative perspective, explaining why it was effective;

--reflect upon the struggles or implications of narrative voice.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

--Select a fairy tale character, character we have covered in class for film or story, and write from that character's perspective, selecting a CLEAR and DIRECT narrative style (we will cover these in class)

--Employ dialogue, description, and action verbs to enhance audience appeal;

--Consider the exciting possibility of a 'twist' to that character's perspective., e.g., (to the bears, wasn't Goldilocks a vagrant, thief, and someone who broke into their home and defiled their beds?)

--In the analytical section analyze and interpret the narrative section that you wrote.

--Apply what you know about basic research principles so as to find expository information about your selected narrative perspective.

--Create a clear thesis statement that explains what narrative perspective you used and the EFFECT that that style has upon the audience.

--Apply proper P.I.E. paragraph structures to the essay so as to outline and organize the major points consistent with the essay's thesis statement (e.g. how the perspective was used effectively or not)

--Apply proper M.L.A. or A.P.A.-based quoting conventions to the essay with regards to proper quote introduction, parenthetical citation, and other quote dynamics;

--Examine quotes or images from the formal and informal text or visual-based resources so as to significantly comment on the relevance and impact of those selected images/words.

--Employ at least 2 quotes from various source materials that you find, of a textual or visual nature. Please ensure that the source material is BETTER than the Wikipedia page for the topic.

--Employ 2 literary terms that we have discovered from class, so that you can demonstrate comprehension and mastery of those terms.

--Create a final, polished draft of at least 4-6 pages, with a List of Works Cited.

 

Potential Topics:

What did the oni think of Momotaro when he invaded their island?
Is Goldilocks such an awesome houseguest, or someone who commited several crimes?
Was the Wicked Witch who attempted to eat Hansel and Gretel really such a bad person?
Topic of your choice; please try to discuss your topic with me in the form of a topic proposal/individual conference.