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Paper details
The purpose of this paper is to analyze society or a part of it. This paper can focus on a work of literature
or an analysis of a segment of our society.
For a literary analysis of society, pay close attention to any descriptions of a characters, attitudes of
characters, actions and reactions of the characters, roles in society, how characters are treated, and other
literary elements that might speak to a problem or explanation of society or a group within society
(symbolism, setting, imagery, and so on). Consider questions such as:
What has made the characters think/act this way?
How did the characters become like this?
What social conventions or rules confine the characters?
What situation have historic, economic, cultural, or other contributors created?
Are there examples of isolation or alienation?” If so, what are the social causes of this?
Are there examples of domination or control?” If so, who has the power/authority and
who is under this power/authority?
Is the dignity or autonomy of individuals harmed?” How? By whom?
What does all of this show about our society? About right or wrong? About relationships?
About identity?
What is the writer’s opinion on the main topic? Why did he/she write this story?
Remember to avoid the following in your writing:
A “common sense” approach
Teaching or exposing a moral or life lesson
Unnecessary plot summary
A subjective tone (no “I believe” or “I feel”)
Writing this as a report (a presentation of information without analysis)
Unsupported points or comments (including avoiding generalizations)
With all that said, here is what it required:
1. 4-6 pages, double-spaced, in a standard font, and in proper MLA formatting
2. A minimum of 3 sources beyond the primary work (the story/stories)
3. A focused and overt thesis statement, which is analytical in nature—one clear idea that you
develop throughout the essay—and that is focused on thematic analysis.
4. Must contain 1 point of literary criticism.
5. Page numbers must be included in the in-text citation.