Close Reading Response 1

English 10, Summer Session B 2014

Length: 1.5-2 pages (double spaced)
Format: hard copy, MLA format
Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 14 at beginning of class


Description and Goals
Your first formal writing assignment asks you to complete all three components of a close
reading essay: examine the form of a text (how things are being said), analyze how the texts
form relates to its content (what is being said), and create an original argument about its
significance (how you interpret an ambiguous element of the text, and why it makes you think of
a theme in a certain way). The relatively short length of this paper makes this assignment a brief
but sufficient introduction to the basic expectations of your final essay.


Texts and Themes
You can write about any text that we have read so far: either a poem, or a scene from Macbeth.
Because this is a short assignment, you will pick only one text to discuss, and then choose one or
two specific elements of your chosen text to focus on. These elements should be small but
significant, like rhyme scheme or figurative language.

As you analyze specific examples of these textual elements, you will explain how they influence
your reading of a major theme in the text. Some themes that our texts for week 1 and 2 cover
include (but definitely are not limited to):
love (ideal vs. actual)
nature (and peoples perception of it)
art (its in/ability to fully express)
cultural history
family and memory
gender roles (upheld or challenged)

This is not a research paper, so there is no need to find secondary sources on your material. The
only materials you should use for this assignment are the primary literary text, the Bedford
Glossary, the Oxford English Dictionary, and your notes from class.


The Thesis
Your paper should present a specific argument that you make about how a literary work treats a
major theme. The goal here is not to say that the text or theme is good or bad, or simply that it is
important. Rather, you need to state and support an argument about how the poem or play leads
the reader to think about a textual theme in a certain way. This is the time to be originalyour
paper should not rely heavily on arguments presented in class.

Your thesis must be argumentative, meaning that someone could disagree with you or read your
theme of choice in one or more different ways. As is the case with your class blog posts, if you
cannot think of at least one different argument someone might make about the theme you
discuss, then it is probably an observation rather than an argument. However, your argument
does not need to be polemical in tone; you are welcomed to consider the nuances of your theme.

Body Paragraphs
Throughout your essay, you will draw on specific lines, phrases, and passages that you think are
important to the text and to your interpretation of it. After each quote, provide your own analysis
of what makes the form of that quote interesting, and explain how your reading of it supports
your overall argument. To summarize, each body paragraph should include
evidence: a word, phrase, or line quoted from the text with little to no summary (you
will be paying attention to how things are being said, not simply what is being said)
analysis: your thoughts on what is important about the way this quote is written
connection: explanation of how this quote and your analysis support your overall thesis

Conclusion
After you have briefly rephrased your thesis, think about why the primary text and your
argument about it are important. Do they relate to a current political, social or philosophical
issue? Do they challenge readers to expand their understanding of the world and those around
them? You only need a small number of lines (approx. one or two) to sell your argument and
interpretation to the reader.


Format
You must format your paper according to MLA guidelines. This includes elements like quote
citation, margin size, font, and more. Because this assignment has a page-based length
requirement, it is important that you follow the guidelines carefully in order to ensure that you
have completed the assignment. Check Purdue OWLs formatting guideline for MLA standards,
or a current MLA Style Handbook.


Opportunities for Feedback
I am happy to look at notes, outlines, and even full drafts in person during my office hours.
Bring a hard copy of whatever youd like to discuss with me, and make note of one or more
specific things youd like us to think about together (how does it look so far? is too broad). I
cannot give you feedback on drafts sent via email. The Writing Lab at CLAS can also look over
drafts and other materials.