Module 4: Literary Analysis & Close Reading

This module centers on the act of literary reading. We make a fundamental error when we think that all reading is basically the same whatever shape it takes. Think about it: Is reading a shopping list the same as reading a poem? Is reading a text message the same as reading a fully-formed essay? Is reading a meme the same as reading a novel? I would answer with a firm "no" to these questions. 

Literary or "close" reading takes time. It's not immediate. We all know that the closer we examine something the more information it yields. I'm going to show you some strategies for how to do this, and more importantly how to transform your close reading into critical writing.

While there might be an opportunity to use your first-person or "I" voice in the introduction or conclusion, the bulk of your essay will focus solely on the work of literature itself (either the story or the poem). You, the writer, will be in dialogue with the literary work. You will share with your reader your interpretation or interpretations and you'll give your reader direct evidence, quoted material, to support your position. For this assignment, we're not going to deal with MLA documentation and a Works Cited page. Our next module will thoroughly cover those issues.

Everybody will read two very different classics of American literature: Charlotte Perkin Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wall Paper" and Langston Hughes' poem, "Let America be America Again."

We will discuss both works in our next class on Thursday, October 14. Your assignment is to read both of these works very carefully and be prepared to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and interpretations about them. 

You will have the choice to write your literary analysis on either Gilman's story or Hughes' poem, but not both. 

Your essay should be approximately 1,000 words or three full double-spaced MLA-style pages. This might seem like a lot, but it truly isn't.

Do you want to meet with me for a one-on-one tutorial? I'd love that. Send me an email message to csmith@dcad.edu.

MODULE SCHEDULE

Oct 12: Introduction of the new unit, assign reading.

Oct 14: Reading quiz, discussion. Outlining draft.

Oct 19: Finished Draft Due no later than 3 pm (Upload to Populi). This is required, not optional. It will count for half of your final grade. 

Oct 21: FINAL essay due no later than 3 pm (Upload to Populi), Critique.