A Literary Analysis of The Man In The High Castle
The Literary Analysis Paper (4-5 pages + Works Cited) This paper will identify major and/or minor themes in the novel we have read this semester. This will come mainly from your own interpretations, and you should not seek out or cite outside sources to draw conclusions for you, though you are required to cite at least two outside sources of some kind that help provide clarification of your interpretations. You will also cite the book itself, for a total minimum of three sources. Your textbooks can provide some extra context if you need it. Start by reading Chapter 15 (pp. 187-201) in They Say/I Say. This text provides a good introduction to writing about literature, though keep in mind that for this assignment, you do not have to cite the opinions of other writers about the book unless you feel that bringing in another opinion would help support your own point(s). It should be your unique interpretations being highlighted in the paper, not someone else’s. There is also a discussion of analytical writing in Everyone’s An Author (pp. 201-251) and more on literary analyses in the Little Seagull Handbook (pp. 62-65). The paper should be designed as follows: • The paper is built around you finding major or minor themes in the book and highlighting five of them. • It should begin with an introduction, which ends with a thesis statement stating the five themes you will discuss in the paper. • You should have five main idea paragraphs, each devoted to a major or minor theme you have identified from the book; the novel itself should be referenced in every main idea paragraph and cited appropriately (quote or paraphrase) • Your main idea paragraphs will highlight each theme by pointing them out in the book and stating your interpretation(s); you will also cite outside sources where needed, though not necessarily in every paragraph. • Your conclusion should bring the discussion to a close, making sure to not introduce any new information. • MLA format is required for this paper; be sure to remember your Works Cited and in-text citations!
