Assignment #3:

Literary Analysis and Research Paper

Context:
We have begun studying the poetry and major poets of the Romantic period. In this
study, we have focused primarily on the ways these poets are in conversation with
mythology, history, and other writers. In thinking about the relationships between writers,
in particular, we have discussed the idea of celebrity and the relationship of celebrity to
authorship and identity. This assignment will build upon these discussions and our
course readings, as you conduct research and write a paper focused on one or more of
these ideas and the ways they are illustrated in literature, both in the Romantic period
and today.
Purpose:
This assignment will build upon your critical thinking and analytical skills as you conduct
research and enter into a critical conversation surrounding authorship, literary circles,
the relationships between writers, celebrity, and the relationship of writing to history and
contemporary culture.
Process:
You will choose a literary figure from the Romantic period to be the object of your
research (this will stem from the group presentation). You will then use the library
databases to perform research and enter into a critical conversation surrounding this
authors work.
While doing research, you may focus on one or two works in particular, as well as on
certain trends in the writers career.
In the paper itself, you will perform a close reading of at least one of the writers works
(or a portion of the work). In this close reading, you will connect major themes of the
work, symbols, form, etcto history, mythology, the relationship of the author to other
writers, celebrity, or any combination of these ideas.
Most importantly, you will then connect the work, the author, the themes addressed,
etc to something in our contemporary culture: a tv show, a move, a graphic novel, a
song,or anything you find relevant.
In your thesis, be sure to situate context (the author and work), subject (its relation to
history, mythology, other writers and to contemporary culture), and claim (the
significance of the relationship of the author and the work to history and contemporary
culture).
Be sure to support all of your assertions and connections with close reading and
analysis, as well as with scholarly research.
You must use at least 4 scholarly sources in this paper to create a critical
conversation (one of these can overlap with your group presentation).
**Your final paper should be 8-10 pages, MLA format, 12 pt font, double-

spaced, Times New Roman font**

Due Dates:
12/8Peer Review drafts due
12/13Final paper due by email before 11:59pm