explore key elements
This essay asks you to explore some key element of literary importance in the novel Signs Preceding the End of the World. You may explore the work using several techniques of literary analysis, including study of cultural contexts, such as the current situation of immigration at the border. You may also focus on literary elements such as irony, symbolism, setting, character development, the hero’s journey, fiction noir, etc. Please choose only one of these approaches. For example: Do not attempt to talk about the hero’s journey and then switch your focus to symbolism. (You may certainly mention instances of symbolism in an essay about the hero’s journey, but make sure your thesis is centered around one central idea.)
Here is an example of a focused thesis: In Yuri Hererra’s Signs Preceding the End of the World, Makina’s journey across the border demonstrates that she is representative of the anti-hero because her journey technically brings her into conflict with the law, and though she is an illegal immigrant, she demonstrates heroic courage and by novel’s end is fundamentally transformed.
This essay will test your ability to synthesize your own ideas about the novel with those of leading journalists and scholars. You will use your observations and research to produce a text that successfully argues in favor of some particular interpretation of the work. You must use one professional source to support your idea. Tip: (Find the source before you begin your essay, it’s much harder later…)
You should choose to write about a topic suitable to the assignment’s length, 4-6 pages. In choosing, be aware that you are expected to research at least one outside source for this essay. (Feel free to use one suggested by your peers in our discussion) You will also be using the novel itself as a primary source. Your research should be focused on a professional, scholarly source that provides insightful and relevant information about the topic you choose.
Your essay must additionally have a clearly stated purpose and must present the student writer’s synthesis of their own carefully crafted ideas and those of their source, clearly making distinctions between the two. A successful essay will exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Present an appropriate and creatively ambitious topic centered around a single thesis.
2. Have a clear sense of purpose, easily stated if put on the spot to do so.
3. Provide informed and detailed analysis, no wikipedia or general knowledge based sources please.
4. Incorporate the novel and a professional and credible source seamlessly.
5. Provide clear, thoughtful organization and exhibit skillful narration.
6. Follow MLA Guidelines.
7. 4-6 pages in length
