Research paper

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Literary Research Paper

Objective: Write a 7-page research essay based on Damian Duffy and John Jennings graphic adaptation of Octavia Butlers Parable of the Sower. Your essay should reflect the skills you have cultivated over the course of the semester. Your goal is to make a COMPELLING argument about the novel and to SUPPORT that argument over the length of your essay. Remember that LITERARY ANALYSIS is the focus, not summary.  

How to Approach the Assignment: 

  1. Identify a major research question (or research questions) that will guide your analysis and research on the book
  2. Keep a THOROUGH reading log that tracks
    1. Themes related to your research question(s)
    2. Character profiles (protagonist and supporting characters)
    3. Questions that you would like to ponder by yourself and in class discussions
    4. Passages AND images that you deem significant and relevant to your research project
    5. Mini-analyses that could be incorporated into your final paper
  3. Keep a THOROUGH research log that includes
    1. The names and titles of secondary sources youve READ and want to incorporate into your essay
    2. Summaries and critiques of sources
    3. Reflection on how sources might be incorporated into your essay
  4. Read over your reading log, research log, annotations, and class discussion notes to formulate an argument about the novel
  5. Draft a working thesis statement for your essay
  6. Start drafting your essay
  7. See me in office hours!
  8. Get feedback from me and your peers
  9. Rewrite! Rewrite!
  10. Proofread! Proofread!
  11. Submit final draft of essay 

Sample Research Questions: 

  1. What issues regarding climate change, corporate greed, and wealth inequality does Butler explore?
  2.  How does Parable of the Sower function as a coming of age story? 
  3. How does Butler illustrate the affirmative and repressive aspects of Black familial/communal spaces?
  4. What is the relevance of Parable of the Sower to contemporary readers? To contemporary conversations about capitalism, race, and community values?