In-Class Essay Assignment

In case you don't have it, here it is again--for the full assignment, please pick up a hard copy from me.  PLEASE COMPLETE a preliminary thesis and outline for monday!

Song of Solomon In-class Essay (100 Points)

This is it: your last formal piece of analytical writing for the entire year! This is your chance to impress me with how much you’ve grown as a writer this year. So, I’m looking for 1) an original, arguable, sufficiently complex thesis, 2) full, insightful analysis of each quotation, and 3) clear, polished language throughout, including smooth integration of every quotation.

The Assignment:

Choose a character (Milkman, Lena, Corinthians, Guitar, Pilate, Hagar, Ruth, Macon Dead).  Please create an original thesis that answers ALL of the following for this character:

·      Why does Morrison name them X?  What is the significance of this character’s name (within the book AND possible symbolism and allusions outside the scope of the book)? 

·      How does their name either fit or not fit the character (their history, personality, values, actions) in the book so far? 

·      What messages, themes, ideas, or criticisms is Morrison communicating through her inclusion of this character in the novel so far?

Nuts and Bolts:

About 3-4 pages, handwritten

Yes, you get to bring an outline.  Whatever you can fit on a 4x6 index card, short of writing your whole paper out.  Must have all your quotations written down ahead of time.  Type or hand write.  On an index card or measured boxes on a sheet of paper—both are fine.

            **If you use more than a 4x6 space, you will not be allowed to use your outline!

In class, on Tuesday May, 22^nd