Assignment Requirements: Length requirement: 1500-1750 words (approximately six to eight double-spaced pages with one-inch margins) please include the word count at the bottom of your assignment Other: MLA-formatted, works cited list that includes the bibliographic information for the selected texts Guidelines: Choose a prompt and write an essay that utilizes your close reading skills to compare and/or contrast two of the texts we read over the course of the semester. This is an argumentative essay and will ultimately blend an analytic approach with a persuasive approach. Your argument should be specific, persuasive, and clearly based on the textual evidence that you present. Your essay must be written in grammatically correct English and must contain a clear thesis that outlines your central argument(s). Your thesis should make a claim(s) about the texts that you discuss and state the significance of that claim for the larger work. Each body paragraph of your essay should be a close reading of textual evidence that is important to your overall argument(s). You have been practicing close reading throughout the semester and this essay will allow you to link related close readings in order to prove a larger point about the texts you discuss. Take care to frame your analysis with an introduction and a conclusion. You must make effective use of quoted or paraphrased material and therefore, should conform to the parenthetical guidelines of the MLA citation style. For more help with citation please the You are permitted to use secondary sources, but you are encouraged to rely largely on your own interpretations of the texts. If you do use a secondary source, it must be one included in the official edition of the text that was assigned for the course (i.e. from the Introduction or Appendices). Prompts: 1. What is the significance of class and manners in the works that we have studied this term? How is civility perceived and valued in the texts? What is the ultimate effect of being acknowledged as part of/excluded from a particular social group? 2. How is language (written or verbal) depicted in the works that we have studied this term? What significance does language hold for the texts' characters or the texts' authors? What is the ultimate effect of language being depicted and/or valued in a particular way? 3. How do the imposed social structures of gender impact the characters in the works that we have studied this term? How do the characters work within or outside of these observed boundaries to achieve their goals or satisfy their selves? What is the ultimate effect of gender being valued in a particular way? 5. Create an essay topic that interests you! You must meet with me so I can approve this topic before you start writing your essay proposal. Grading Rubric Following the Assignment The paper meets the length requirements for this assignment Includes a fully developed analysis of two course texts Includes a well-formatted MLA bibliography Content Clearly states how the two texts compare/contrast (thesis statement) Identifies the main ideas of the texts Pays attention to the use literary devices Cogently explains the purpose/impact of literary devices Makes effective use of quotes Makes effective use of Excellent Competent Developing Weak Comments