This document provides guidelines for writing a 1,000-word literary analysis paper on a selection from the course textbook. It outlines topics students can choose for their analysis, such as comparing characters or explaining symbolism. The document also provides instructions on formatting the paper with a thesis statement, quotes, citations, and structure. Students are directed to MLA guidelines and online library resources for conducting research.

1. cweiler
Typewritten Text
Found online at:
http://macaulay.cuny.edu/eportfolios/seminar1fall2010hong/file
s/2010/08/Baldwin-Sonnys-Blues.pdf

2. scanBaldwin - Sonny's Blues.pdf
- Analyze any selection from your textbook in a paper of at
least 1,000 words.
- Plagiarism will result in an F.
- Students must follow MLA guidelines for headings, citations,
Works Cited, etc.
* See the documents in this module for instructions for writing
and organizing this paper.
Topic Ideas (Feel free to edit topics, mix and match topics, or
create your own topic.):
1. Analyze or compare/contrast characters. Identify the
protagonist and the antagonist. Why does the character do what
he or she does? How does the character interact with others?
Why? For this topic, you may need to choose characters from
different short stories, poems, plays, etc.
EX: Comparing and contrasting the brothers in “Sonny’s
Blues” OR the The Misfit and Arnold Friend OR Connie and the
grandmother
2. Identify and explain the symbolism in a selection or similar
symbols in different short stories, poems, etc. Why are the
symbols important? Are they universal?
3. Which type of work is the selection (dramatic monologue,
initiation story, prose poetry, etc.)? What are the elements of

3. the form, and does the selection work best in this format?
4. Discuss the point of view. Why does the author write in first
person, third person, using an omniscient narrator, using an
unreliable narrator, etc.? How would the story change if the
events were told from another point of view? How does the
author control the mood with this point of view?
5. Is the selection ironic? How so? Explain the function of
irony. Identify which type of irony is used. Why does the author
use irony in this selection? How would the selection change
without the use of irony?
6. Explain the purpose of the setting. Why does this selection
take place when and where it does? How would the story change
if moved to another setting? Explore the historical and/or
geographical and/or cultural significance of the setting.
7. What is the theme (the universal truth learned from the
selection)? Explain. Where else have you seen this theme (other
literary works, films, television, comics, video games, etc.)?
8. You may choose to focus on a theoretical interpretation of a
selection. See chapter 48 in your book. This is a great idea if
you are stuck!
Literary Analysis – Guidelines
1. Write a clear thesis statement. EX: The light and dark
imagery in "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin illustrates the
difference between fantasy and reality.
2. Write the author's full name and the title of the selection in
your thesis statement.

4. 3. When you quote parts of the selection, follow MLA
guidelines. EX: As Baldwin explains, "The light from the
bandstand spilled just a little short of them..."(70).
4. DO NOT WRITE A PLOT SUMMARY.
5. Organize your paper logically: introduction, body paragraphs,
and conclusion.
6. Clearly support your ideas with quoted and paraphrased
material and examples from the selection.
7. Introduce quoted material. You must lead into quotations.
EX: As Baldwin writes, "......"(70).
OR The light seems almost dangerous in this scene: "The
light..."(70).
8. Avoid common errors: comma splices, fragments, etc.
9. Avoid second-person words (you, yours, yourself).
Using Quoted Material from Literary Sources:
1.Make a statement about the selection.
2. Lead into the quoted lines from the selection that supports
your statement. EX: As Baldwin explains, “quoted material
here” (65).
3. Make sure you have provided a citation (author’s name and
page number).
4. Explain how the quoted material supports your initial
statement (#1).
Where to Find Resources at http://www.mgccc.edu/library/ :
Gale Virtual Reference Library

5. Magnolia Project
EBSCO
Ebrary – online books
See screenshots below if needed.
Gale Virtual Reference Library Ebrary
Magnolia Project EBSCO (Select All Resources.)
Library Passwords (full list in Course Resources)
Username Password
mgccc
gulfstate75
SIRS Researcher
Username Password
Ebrary mgccc gulf
Username Password
Infobase eBooks msgulfcccebooks
gulfstate75
Username no password
needed
Gale Virtual Reference Library gulfstate75
Username no password
needed
MAGNOLIA magn0122

6. no username needed no
password needed
Overdrive