Essay #2: Comparison/Contrast

For your second major writing assignment, you will write a 4-6 page, typed, double-spaced essay which works closely with two of the works of literature we have read this semester. Similar to the first essay, you will identify a major theme, issue, or literary element and then compare and contrast that element in these two works. You may include McCaffrey’s The Ship Who Sang or Pohl’s Man Plus but it will need to be paired with a work we have read since then. If you select the same novel you wrote about for Essay #1, you must pick a different element.

First, you will identify your theme/issue/literary element and find the 2-3 most significant passages where this issue is presented in both works of literature. Again, it is important that these passages extend beyond a quick reference to being a moment where the ideas are being negotiated, depicted, etc. Having identified these passages, examine them for what they suggest about larger ideas and themes related to the novel and cyborg theory. Think about them individually as well as collectively.

Your paper should begin with a clear introduction which introduces the works being examined, the specific parameters of the element the essays explores, and an overview of the specific passages. It should also contain a thesis statement which encapsulates in a sentence or two the focus and conclusions of the entire paper. This statement should indicate the significance of the selected element in each of the works – illustrating both the similarities and differences.

The body of your essay should cite, examine, discuss, and unpack the significance of each of these moments. Between both works of literature your paper should discuss 4-6 passages. In your analysis, unpack the quotes specifically, teasing out the subtleties of the language used and ideas in each. Further, you will also need to discuss how these different passages agree, disagree, alter, transform, add, or evolve the ideas from the other passages. Note that these passages should not be equivalent. The differences may be subtle or related to development but they will not be the same. Push this. You should feel as if you may be going too far. In this analysis, you will compare and contrast how the element is used and the ideas are expressed in both works.

Conclude by articulating clearly in a sentence or two, what, in your analysis, this theme/issue/literary element suggests about the larger ideas of each work of literature. Basically, what do you think is the larger significance of this repeated theme/issue/literary element. Think about the following questions: Analyze the passages for what each of these works suggest through this element. What does each novel try to convince the reader of with these elements? This section should be contestable, meaning that a reasonable reader could disagree with you.

Your essay needs a logical organization with clear, conceptual transitions. Research is neither expected nor required for this assignment. I would encourage you to work only with the text. However, if you do consult outside sources, they must be documented according to MLA style. Failure to document sources is a form of scholastic dishonesty and will be dealt with according to the policy on the syllabus.

Technical Requirements

The essay must:

· be 4-6 pages in length,

· be typed, double-spaced, and in an appropriate font and size (10-12 pt),

· cite and specifically analyze 4-6 significant passages,

· have good flow and transitions,

· feature good grammar and mechanics, and

· follow MLA guidelines for style and citation.

Writing Center: I will award a 3% bonus to your final paper grade if you visit the University Writing Center to discuss your paper for this assignment and submit your consultant session record. Be sure to take this prompt with you!

Pre-Writing: You will be asked to complete pre-writing assignments including but not limited to the below assignment. These will be completion assignments and failure to complete them will result in a point penalty to your final draft.

*Topic Paragraph (with titles and tentative passages) due by April 1st.

Rough Draft: You are required to bring a complete rough draft to class on April 8th. Failure to bring a rough draft to class (including absences) will result in a 10% penalty to the final paper grade.

Final Draft is due at the beginning of class on April 13th. You will also need to submit the peer-edited rough draft from April 8th. Failure to do so will result in a reduction to the paper grade. Late papers incur a 10% penalty for every calendar day.