Practical Criticism: Essay #1

For your first essay, you will choose one of the Daphne du Maurier stories we have read and one of the critical approaches to which you have been introduced. Your goal is to come up with a compelling thesis, or argument, by looking closely at the story through the analytical lens you have chosen. [Note: If you choose to work with New Historicism, you will almost certainly need to do a certain amount of historical research.] You will work very closely with the language of the story in order to support and complicate your argument: try to ground each of your claims, your interpretive assertions, in close readings of the text; quote lines or phrases from which you can build textual analysis (avoid long block quotations). Never present a quotation without following it with interpretive commentary. Make sure you articulate a clear and complex thesis (argument) in your introduction. Each subsequent paragraph should begin with an argument or assertion (as opposed to an observation or statement of fact) that shows how that paragraph is going to develop your overall argument, or push it forward.

We will work through the first essay in stages designed to help you generate a strong thesis, produce relevant and compelling textual analysis, and structure your essay effectively. Pay close attention to the deadlines and assignments below: this schedule outlines the process by which you will construct your first essay.

Monday, Sept. 14: Essay notes due. 1) Sketch answers to the “Questions for Analysis” Bressler provides for your particular critical approach. Some of these can be answered simply and concisely, while others demand more consideration. Answer the questions as thoughtfully as possible. 2) Once you have answered the questions, come up with a one- or two-sentence tentative description of an idea you would like to pursue. 3) Based on this, come up with an analytical question of your own: What are you trying to figure out about this story? 4) Choose 4 passages (a passage is a loose term for a few lines that it makes sense to consider together—not necessarily a full paragraph; more than a phrase) that seem particularly relevant to the ideas you want to explore. Type each passage out and follow it with at least half a page of interpretive ideas. Focus on particular words and phrases. Look for complexity, nuance, tension; passages that seem complicated or even confusing will probably end up being the most valuable: the idea is to unpack your passages, looking for ideas that could ultimately become the building blocks of your argument. These notes should be typed; you will turn them in to me and I will return them on Wednesday with comments.

Wednesday, Sept. 16: In-class workshop on structure, MLA style.

Monday, Sept. 21: Rough draft of essay #1 due. Must be at least 4 pages (typed and double-spaced). In-class workshop.

Tuesday, Sept. 22: Email me your thesis (you will probably have revised it after Monday’s workshop)—that is, the central argument of your essay, clearly expressed in a well-written sentence or two. I need these to be in my inbox by 9 PM.

Wednesday, Sept. 23: In-class thesis workshop.

Monday, Sept. 28: Final draft of essay #1 due. Turn in both drafts (failure to submit a satisfactory rough draft will lower your overall grade) and a works cited page (MLA style; we’ll discuss this in class). You should use correct MLA parenthetical documentation throughout. Your title should be meaningful and specific; strive for originality. Use a standard 12 pt. font (I prefer Times New Roman or Palatino) and standard margins; there should be no fewer than 250 words per page (use the word count function to check this if you’re unsure). There should NOT be an extra space between each paragraph; you may need to change your computer’s default setting to prevent this. Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, and fastened with a paper clip or staple. Place both drafts in a folder, along with your other process-based assignments. Make sure your pages are numbered. Your paper  must be at least five full pages; a little longer is fine. Proofread carefully. You will lose points if you don’t follow these instructions carefully.

Please feel free to come to my office hours (or make an appointment) at any time during this process; I will be happy to discuss your essay at any stage during its development. I cannot, however, simply comment on emailed drafts or paragraphs: if you would like feedback outside of the designated workshops, please come to see me in person.