Prof. Hutchens ENGL 1121 Guidelines
LITERARY ANALYSIS PAPER 4 (200 POINTS)
LEARNING GOAL
1. To write this type of essay encourages readers to think about the author’s specific choices for particular reseasons.
SELECT ONE TOPIC. WRITE IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS.
1. Discuss the motif of auto racing in the novel. How does Denny, and by default, Enzo, use auto racing as a metaphor
for life?
• “A motif is a recurrent image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme, while a theme is a central
idea or message” (“Motif”). Literarydevices.net
2. In what situations in The Art of Racing in the Rain is the quote below true and not true?
• “That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or
ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves” (43).
3. Describe and analyze the character of Eve in the novel.
• How does Enzo feel about Eve when they first meet? How does Eve feel about Enzo? How does this
relationship evolve in the course of the reading?
YOUR PAPER SHOULD
Include a creative, original, two-part title (title and subtitle).
Use an appropriate attention-getting device (introduction) as well as a concluding device (conclusion).
Include a well-written thesis statement. Argumentative thesis formula is required (introduction).
Use the novel as textual evidence (primary source). No outside research required.
Include direct quotes from the novel. Quote Sandwich is required in each body paragraph.
Follow the conventions of standard English. Correct use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Use the 8 sentence body-paragraph formula for each body paragraph.
Include a works cited (cite the novel).
POINT OF VIEW
Use 3rd person point of view. Remove any form of first person and/or 2nd person point of view.
MLA DOCUMENT DESIGN
Document Settings. Times New Roman. 12-point font. 1” margins. Double-space.
Identification Block. Name. Professor’s name. Course and section #. Due date. Header. Include last name and page number.
LENGTH
Essay Length. 3 full pages. Max 4 pages. Works Cited will be on the page 4 or 5 of essay (cite the novel).
DUE DATES
Final draft. Submit FD to D2L assignment folder by _____________________ before_______.
Prof. Hutchens ENGL 1121 Guidelines
NOTE: Any essay that is missing in-text citations within the text of the essay and / or missing a work cited page will earn a failing grade.
CATEGORY Check Plus 100%
(Exceeds Expectations)
Check 80%
(Meets Expectations)
Check Minus 70%
(Approaching Expectations)
Half Credit 50%or less
(Does Not Meet Expectations)
Introduction First paragraph is catchy. Thesis is
evident and point to be argued well
stated.
First paragraph has a weak
“grabber.” Thesis is mixed among
many sentences and hard to piece
together.
A catchy beginning was
attempted but was confusing
rather than catchy. Thesis is
not entirely apparent
although topic is evident.
No attempt was made to catch
the reader’s attention in the first
paragraph. Thesis is not apparent
nor is the topic of the essay.
Thesis Strong, clear thesis that presents an
argument and explains why it
matters. (Answers what is at stake?)
A thesis statement that states an
argument or interpretation but does
not complete the at stake issue.
A thesis statement that
interprets the text but does
not suggest a clear argument.
Not clear what the essay is about
from the first paragraph.
Appropriate
quotes from
story
Numerous quotes from novel. The
quotes develop the argument and go
beyond the most obvious; quotes
offer text that reveals a very close
reading.
Most quotes are appropriate and
develop the idea of the essay. It is
clear where the quotes come from
and analysis is given after each quote
relating the quote back to the thesis.
Quotes are used that are
related to the topic but more
explanation or analysis is
needed.
Quotes are not used or the
quotes used do not seem to help
develop the essay in any
meaningful way.
Analysis of
quotes
Each quote includes interesting and
thought-provoking analysis that
relates the quote to the thesis.
Interesting analysis of most quotes,
relating quotes to thesis.
Attempt to explain how the
quotes relate to the thesis for
most quotes.
No clear attempt is made to
explain the quotes that are used.
Conclusion The essay reminds the reader of the
argument and draws a conclusion.
The essay completes the argument
but does not suggest the significance
of the analysis.
The essay concludes by
restating the opening
paragraph without applying
the information to the
reader’s world of experience.
The essay finishes abruptly
without reiterating the argument
or a clear conclusion. (The last
evidence paragraph concludes
the essay.)
Grammar and
vocabulary
Varied, sophisticated, and accurate
vocabulary; no major grammar errors.
Clear and correct vocabulary; very
few grammar errors.
Simple or repetitive vocab. or
some grammar errors.
Many grammar and vocab.
errors.
Document Design
Typed; 1 inch margins; 12 Times New Roman; double spaced; last name and page number correctly placed; name, professor, class, date correctly placed; title
Writer makes 2-3 in formatting. Writer makes 3-4 in
formatting.
Writer makes more than 5 errors
in formatting.
In-Text Citations
Writer makes no errors.
In text citations:
(Last Name page #).
All resources on works cited page
found in paper; Less than 3 format
errors.
Most resources listed on
works cited found in paper;
Some MLA format errors;
Resources not easily identified
No Resources Cited
Works Cited
Required number of resources; Required types of resources; Alphabetical order; works cited page titled; double spaced; second hanging indent.
Less than 3 formatting errors: has all
required resources/types
MLA format not followed;
multiple errors
No works cited page
Length Meets the length requirement (meaning no large font, spaces, headings to take up space).
Meets the length requirement (meaning no large font, spaces, headings to take up space).
May or may not meet the
length requirement.
Generally does not meet the
length requirement.
PersuasiveTopicsThesisAssignment.docx