Write at least 2 well-developed analytical paragraphs about one or more characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. For each paragraph, there should be a clearly stated claim about one of the characters – something you think is significant or interesting about a about characterization (the desperation of Walter or the strength of love shown by Mama). Then, using the lesser literary elements (dialogue, movement, stage directions, appearance, etc.) as evidence, demonstrate that this interpretation is valid and supported by the text. Multiple examples from the text will strengthen the claim. Discuss this evidence and how it justifies your claim in several synthesis sentences.Do not need to write introduction or conclusion paragraphs, and there is not a single thesis driving an argument.The goal is not to write a five-paragraph essay about a character. The goal is to put into practice the lessons on MLA formatting and citation, paragraph structure, and use of text as evidence to support claims about character.
Character Analysis Assignment Description • Final Grade Weight: 10% • Late Policy Reminder: Late work is accepted; however, late submissions are unlikely to receive thorough feedback while compressing the amount of time between assignments. Purpose: This assignment is an opportunity to practice analytical writing and apply the elements of drama before the longer essays. Submissions by the deadline will also benefit from receiving instructor feedback that can be used to improve writing going forward. Context: To analyze literature with depth and insight, it requires a close reading of the text to identify and interpret elements of drama. This assignment should be organized into well- developed paragraphs (see lecture materials for more detail about that) that include the following: • A clear topic sentence that express a main point about characterization, conflict, or another significant element of drama. In a complete essay, topic sentences support an overall thesis. • Evidence from the text to support that point. Typically, multiple pieces of evidence are more effective than just one example. Evidence should draw on elements of drama such as dialogue, movement, and appearance to demonstrate the claim in the topic sentence is valid. • Synthesis sentences that a) explain the evidence in the writer’s own words, b) discuss how the evidence relates to the main point/what the evidence shows, and c) connect the main point to the larger thesis (in complete essays). • Transitions (a transitional phrase or sentence) that explain how two body paragraphs are related should also be included. Prompt: One major element of drama is character, or characterization. Character refers to the essential nature of the people in a play – who they are inside, what drives them, how they think, what motivates their actions, what qualities they have emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually. Write at least 2 well-developed analytical paragraphs about one or more characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. For each paragraph, there should be a clearly stated claim about one of the characters – something you think is significant or interesting about a about characterization (the desperation of Walter or the strength of love shown by Mama). Then, using the lesser literary elements (dialogue, movement, stage directions, appearance, etc.) as evidence, demonstrate that this interpretation is valid and supported by the text. Multiple examples from the text will strengthen the claim. Discuss this evidence and how it justifies your claim in several synthesis sentences. This assignment is not an essay, and students do not need to write introduction or conclusion paragraphs, and there is not a single thesis driving an argument. Rather, think of this assignment as a more formalized version of a discussion board post (and students can even use aspects of discussion board posts they have already written as a starting point for this assignment). The goal is not to write a five-paragraph essay about a character. The goal is to put into practice the lessons on MLA formatting and citation, paragraph structure, and use of text as evidence to support claims about character. Examples of claims: • Walter is characterized by a significant need to for his family to support his dreams. • Beneatha’s character is defined by her search for individual identity. • The character of Ruth is established as a woman who feels defeated by her circumstances and nearly without hope. Requirements: • 500 words minimum, noting that assignments closer to the minimum required word count are likely to earn in the C to B- range at best. Shorter responses typically lack the depth of discussion needed to earn higher marks according to the grade criteria (see Course Files). • Outside Sources: No outside sources, web or print, are to be used in your essay. This is strictly between you and the text of the play. You may incorporate support from biographical or introductory elements from your text book. This is about your ability to make meaning from the play and not about synthesizing scholarly sources who have made their own analyses. Papers incorporating outside sources, even if properly cited, may be penalized or fail to earn a passing grade depending on the amount of borrowed material. • MLA Style and Citation: All papers must conform to current standards for MLA format: o Style: double spaced; Times New Roman 12 point font; centered title that reflects the content of the essay (i.e not Paper 1) on fifth line using title case and does not bold; underline; or enlarge the title; last name and page number in upper right hand corner – plain text format only; identifying information on first four lines left aligned (your name, my name, course, date); one inch margins on all sides (be sure to check – many programs default to 1.25 inch margins). It should look like this: Sample Paper. Need help formatting according to these guidelines? Have Word? Click here for a Word tutorial. Using a Mac? Click here for a Pages tutorial. o Citation: All quotes or paraphrases must be cited in-text using the parenthetical system according to MLA guidelines. Note - Dialogue between characters should be formatted according to MLA guidelines, example found at bottom of the document at this link. A Works Cited page with a properly formatted entry for the play must be placed on its own page placed last and numbered chronologically. See this link for help formatting your entry – see format for “Play as a Book.” https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/documents/20180702110400_747-2.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUvK70XSc9M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_87ve7jq3Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_87ve7jq3Q https://lib.pstcc.edu/c.php?g=106731&p=693757#Plays http://lib.pstcc.edu/c.php?g=106731&p=693753