‘the Tale of Genji’
Prompt: choose either (a) or (b)
(a) Discuss two scenes, events, or chapters in relation to each other (from chapter 22 through 41). You may make brief reference to other scenes, events, or chapters when necessary, but the two chosen ones should be the focus of your argument. Find a point (or points) by which you can bring them together to produce a revealing or suggestive reading of the text.
(b) Decide your own topic concerning Chapters 22-41.
Do not fill the paper with “information”—e.g., plot, historical context, or the work as a whole. Stay close to the written text. Be selective. Be concise. Try to argue more than describe. Grading will be based on three main criteria:
a. quality of the thesis/argument: strong, focused, interesting, insightful, surprising, and subtle are desirable qualities
b. structure/organization: logical continuity throughout is the key
c. precise use of quotes: small number of short quotes strategically used
Other instructions
– Single-space throughout.
– Use paragraphs. Indent each paragraph; do not insert extra space between paragraphs.
– For citation, indicate the translator in the first parenthetical reference, e.g., (tr. Seidensticker 24), and only the page number thereafter, e.g., (34); electronic editions may not have page numbers. Include an MLA-style bibliography at the end.
– Give your paper an effective title.
– The length should be 1000 (+/- 50) words, counting only the main text. Indicate the word count at the end of the paper.
– For the font, use Times New Roman 12 point.