Essay #1: “Conflict and (Ir)Resolution”
3-4 pages, doubled spaced, Times or Times New Roman, 12 pt. font
For your first essay, please choose one of the following topics. You may propose another topic, but please discuss this with me first:
1 Discuss how two characters in Monkey interact (either harmoniously or not) to reach the Buddhist goal of Enlightenment, or, contrarily, how they do not reach this goal. Remember to create a strong, narrowed focus for your idea of how Buddhism works in the text in connection with the two characters. Use two secondary sources (see below). One source should discuss one of the following: one of the Six Perfections, the Buddhist idea of Emptiness, or another tenet of Buddhism that you feel is integral to your analysis.
2 In Monkey, discuss one major character trait of Monkey, and how this subtly changes or, indeed, dramatically transforms during the course of the narrative, and how this change affects his role in the story. Be sure to carefully describe major points in his development. Conversely, you may want to argue that Monkey does not change in a fundamental way, at all. As an alternative to discussing Monkey, you may prefer to apply this analysis to Tripitaka or Pigsy. Use two secondary sources (see below). One source should reference a type of character arc analysis.
3 Discuss the role of dream and/or unrealistic elements in Saikaku’s from Life of a Sensuous Woman. You should not create a simple listing of these elements, but rather form a clear, unified thesis, in which you explore how a specific theme emerges from the use of these dream-like elements, and then show how the dream elements move this theme forward. Use two secondary sources (see below). One source should reference an aspect of Freud’s dream theory (or another provocative discussion of dream or fantasy) which you may use as support for OR as a foil to your thesis.
4 In Saikaku’s, from Life of a Sensuous Woman, discuss the tension between the narrator’s retelling of the abuse she was forced to experience as a woman, and her own, at times, “anti-feminist” (or seemingly anti-feminist) evaluation of those experiences. Be sure to create a clear, narrowed focus that you thoroughly develop. You will need to use two secondary sources (see below). One source should reference the “Floating World” era of Edo, Japan.
Secondary Sources: In your discussion you will need two secondary sources, one print and one digital, to deepen your exploration. You need to cite only once from each source (you may cite more often, but please do not overuse the secondary sources). A viable secondary source is a text that discusses, in a meaningful way, your thesis, which might include information about the cultural milieu of the era you are working with.
Note: Be sure the author of the article/essay you are using is an authority in the field. This may mean you might have to do a little research about the author!
You will be graded by the following criteria:
- A cogent analysis and interpretation of the text, which will necessarily include a strong thesis statement, appropriate textual citations, and contextual and intertextual evidence for your ideas.
- A critical evaluation and appreciation of a literary work’s strengths and limitations.
- Close attention to an author’s choices of detail, vocabulary, and style.
- Ability to recognize the relationship between the literary text you are exploring and the multicultural environments from which it springs.
Essay Check List:
1) a clear, focused thesis
2) a logical ordering of ideas
3) smooth and meaningful transitions between major points. Avoid words like “first,”
“second”, etc., or phrases/words like “another example,” “then,” “later,” and the
like. Instead, focus on blending the previous point with the following point.
4) nicely organized paragraphs (assertion; introduction of support; detailed support;
explanatory sentence or sentences connecting your support specifically to your
thesis, which will likely include using words from the chosen quote)
5) thorough development
6) correct grammar (please proofread!)
7) diction (appropriate/correct word choice; interesting, varied vocabulary)
8) correct use of MLA style