assignment1

2nd Semester Outside Reading Project -- AP English

After much consideration, I have landed upon the best way to cause you apoplexy. This assignment is significantly different from the previous essay prompts. It differs in these fundamental ways:

1. It asks you to deal with an issue from two works by the same author. By this point, you should have already selected and begun reading a significant work by a reputable author. In fact, since you are such a good student, you are undoubtedly almost done reading it. Now, find another significant work by this author and dig in! 2. It asks you to consult **three** outside critical sources. You will need to go to the library and look for critical studies of your author/works. //This may take some time. Do not procrastinate in obtaining sources//. Books that are collections of essays by various critics are good resources. There are also wonderful online catalogues. **All three** sources //must// relate directly to the text(s) and/or author.


 * Prompt:** After reading two novels or plays by the same author, write an essay in which you compare and contrast these works on the basis of your choosing. You may consider important characters, treatment of similar themes, the use of similar motifs/imagery, etc. You may also apply a specific critical reading to both works (e.g., Marxist, feminist, etc.). Part of your argument must be founded on the consultation of three outside sources.

Your approach to this essay could take a number of forms (none of which I can recommend for everyone). You may, for example, wish to skim the previously read book and take a few notes before starting the new one. An opposite approach may work, as well. You may also wish to obtain some outside criticism first to find ideas about what approach you may take in reading and writing about your works. Or, you may wish to formulate your ideas first and then see how published criticism plays into your readings. Whatever you do, please follow these guidelines:

1. Give yourself plenty of time for this paper. I will have no sympathy for failed last minute attempts to obtain published sources. Our library has access to all volumes at the University of Illinois and beyond. Look early and you will be fine. Ask for help! 2. Cite all references to published sources. Failure to give proper credit will result in significant grade hemorrhaging on this assignment. Let me know if you need to borrow an MLA guide. For some citations, you may need to consult a more complete, more recent MLA Handbook. 3. Use the published criticism to start your argument or to supplement it in some way. The ideas of others cannot //become// your argument. You have something significant to say about the author’s works. The published critics are simply helping you do it.


 * Specifications:** 5 to 7 pages, double-spaced, 12-point plain font, superbly edited

I will gladly accept papers before this time, and strongly encourage you to do so. I will gladly answer specific questions about writing your paper, but will not “grade” the entire essay and then give you a second crack at it. **I will NOT, however, answer questions about this project within a week of its due date!**
 * Due Date:** The last day to turn in this essay is **Monday, May 3, 2010**.