Times New Roman 12 Literary Essay

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Times New Roman 12 Literary Essay

Prompt:

Write a literary essay on Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee

Novel: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee

Be
aware that you will be writing about a novel, which in its broadest
sense is any extended fictional narrative almost always in prose, in
which the representation of character is often the focus. Good authors
use the elements of fiction, such as plot, theme, setting etc.
purposefully, with a very clear goal in mind. One of the paths to
literary analysis is to discover what the author’s purpose is with each
of his choices. Avoid the problem that many students have, which is to
hold the erroneous assumption that simply retelling what happened in
detail is good enough (no, it is not). Plot summary is necessary, but
not the intended goal in a literary essay.

Criteria:

In addition to being written at college level, your essay must meet the following criteria:

  • include an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion
  • use
    specific supporting details from the book and at least two from outside
    sources. Go to the Miami Dade Databases (not Google) for your sources
  • use at least three quotes from the book
  • use MLA style. It is helpful to keep your handbook open to the MLA tab as you write.
  • be at least 5 paragraphs, about 750 words minimum (that’s about 3 typed, double-spaced pages in Times New Roman 12 point font)
  • adhere to Standard American English grammar and mechanics rules

A Helpful Approach:

  • Read Disgrace
    by J. M. Coetzee in its entirety before beginning your paper. Take
    notes as you read. If you feel you need some guidance as to themes you
    might be looking out for, take a quick look at the following Schmoop
    page: http://www.shmoop.com/disgrace-coetzee/themes.html for guidance.
    Read the novel and mark interesting passages and save necessary source
    information (such as page numbers) for your in-text documentation and
    your Works Cited list.
  • Think
    about the topic and approach you chose located in the Topics and
    Approaches page. Do not simply repeat or summarize the story.

    • Write your well-constructed thesis, topic sentences, supporting details roughly before beginning.
  • Do
    some research. It’s important to know a bit about apartheid and
    post-apartheid South Africa before you begin the paper. Take notes and
    save necessary source information for your Works Cited list.

    • Use at least two outside sources from scholarly sites or journals.
    • Look at sample papers to refresh your memory concerning the format in Rules for Writers, 8th edition.
    • Write a 5-paragraph (or more) essay, about 750-words (or more if necessary).
    • Avoid
      expressions, that announce your argument; just state the argument
      without phrases such as the following: “in my opinion”; “I think”; “I
      believe.” Avoid “very” and “really in formal writing.
  • Revise,
    edit, and proofread, proofread, proofread. You may also use any of the
    writing labs and centers in any MDC campus, where a tutor might help
    you. There are some sites that help you catch grammar errors, such as
    GrammarRater, but remember, they’re not human and don’t read for
    content.

Remember: While you assemble your sources, keep your handbook open (or your online source handy).