Paper Proposal—Eng 112
As we move through literary works, the temptation in examining any of them is to “retell” the story, poem, or drama. But that isn’t “analysis.” To analyze, you must look at a specific aspect or effect of a work and show why and how you see that perspective coming out of the writing…..which isn’t a simple task. The best place to start is in defining what you want to examine and why, and this proposal will help you come to that point.
The first step, obviously, is to select a particular work that you have been either most connected to or affected by in the reading. In some courses, you may not have an option on what to write about, but in this one you do—take advantage of that choice. Your preference is narrowed only by one restriction: the work must be in our text.
Once you’ve decided which piece you want to work with, your next step is to respond to what about that writing makes it worthy of your time. What is it about the story, poem, or drama that stands out to you? Is it a character and what s/he goes through or decides…or doesn’t decide? Is it the setting and how influential that aspect is on the entire work? Is it a pivotal point in the piece that sticks out in your mind?
What makes the writing significant….interesting….compelling….? Perhaps a particular event seems to be the central impact or certain characteristics of dialogue or details define the work. What is it you have most responded to and why? Freewrite your responses as you re-examine the work.
Think about what you’re finding in the re-examination. When we discuss a work in class, we look at specific aspects of the work and how they connect. We question what certain details reveal and how a character is affected by or mirrored in the surroundings, other characters, specific events, or her/his choices. What conflict(s) emerges from the piece as you think about all its “parts”? Consider tone, diction, setting, characters—all the aspects we’ve been discussing in class. What stands out to you?
Once you’ve picked apart various elements of the work and homed in on a specific idea, you can write this proposal. This assignment is one of exploration, so respond with specifics and ask questions of yourself in the process. Begin by identifying the work and its author. Speak a little (very, very little!) in summary of what you’ve read and then move to your reaction to the work. Describe that reaction and be specific—point to places in the work and cite them (pg. #s). Say what you think about the work and why.
For this paper, you do not need to access any other source—this proposal is YOUR OWN and should reflect YOUR THINKING about the piece you’ve chosen. If you’ve already looked at other criticisms, that’s fine and you can reference them here in light of how they helped you explore the work, BUT this proposal should present YOUR FOCUS. If you do speak to other sources, they will also need to be noted at the end of your proposal.
**Write this piece in MLA format (1 page minimum) and list any sources (including your text….so everyone will have at least one reference….) at the end of the paper in standard “Works Cited” format. You don’t need, though, a separate Works Cited page. Just type that information in citation form at the end of the paper.
Example for Works Cited info:
(last paragraph in proposal…..)
…, so the primary influence I see in Emily’s choices is her father, even after his death. I plan to explore that influence and discuss …..(the concluding statement of the proposal).
Works Accessed and Cited:
Faulkner, William. “A Rose for Emily.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 4th ed., Interactive. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, Ed. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2005. 29-36.
Class Notes. 17 January 2005.