Literary Analysis

• Write a Literary Analysis [4 pages]on one or more literary works studied in this course.
• You may read what others have said about Gender and Chinese literature, but this Literary Analysis must focus heavily on our textbook and some aspect of Gender. You may use up to 3-4 outside sources to write this formal paper.
• This assignment is meant to help students develop and demonstrate Critical Reading, Thinking, and Writing skills.
• Students may focus on language, characterization, writing style, metaphor, satire, any aspects which is common (or unique) to literature Chinese. Have fun with this paper.
— must have 4-5 literary references to the piece of literature, [explain the significance]
– should use embedded footnotes in the text in MLA format (not APA or Chicago).
– may refer to exact words or phrasing in the piece of literature. Place them in quotation marks.
– should write your papers in the Present Tense.
– may be based on either the English translation or the Chinese edition of a text.
– must put all quoted materials in English (Chinese plus English translation is optional)
///I encourage students to write about gender (women in particular) in this paper,
but that is not a requirement. Students may write on any piece (or pieces) of Chinese literature in English translation that we have read or mentioned in the course or in our course textbook, edited by Victor Mair. Students should NOT write the Literary Analysis about The Story of the Stone (Dream of the Red Chamber) or about Jinpinmei Plum in the Golden Vase. These texts are for another writing assignment.
This Literary Analysis (20%) will be evaluated based on an ability to demonstrate an understanding of the literary devices and techniques/styles used in Chinese literature [30%], accuracy of grammar and clarity of organization [10%], depth of understanding, demonstrating Critical Thinking [20%]. The analysis also needs to be framed within a political, social, historical, or cultural context [20%], follow the MLA style guide [10%], and refer to the course textbook (or online links) as well as to course lectures [10%].