Bellow is the criteria, I'm not asking for someone to write me a paper, I just need help developing a thesis statement so I can get started. I haven't really narrowed down exactly what process I want to use yet but, I've narrowed down my author. I'd like to write about Edgar Allan Poe's work(s). I particularly like the story A Cask of Amontillado but I'm not sure how or what to compare it too. Luckily A Cask of Amontillado was in our syllabus so I'll be able to use that, and I'd like to hopefully compare it with some other short story with a similar plot but I'm having trouble finding one. (Doesn't have to something we covered in my class so shoot away!) I will donate 5fg to anyone who makes a solid attempt to help me make a thesis statement, but whoever's I pick I'll donate 200fg.

The research ESSAY on Literature
This formal essay involves an argument that the student develops and then defends, paragraph by paragraph. A good outline is required because this essay is longer and demands greater organization. (4 – 5 pages, not including works cited)

SOURCES: Support comes mostly from sources, both primary and secondary. The source that is the subject of the paper is the primary source. Books, poems, novels, paintings plays, etc. that comment on the subject or provide background information serve as secondary support materials.

The PROCESS: The thesis should be an original opinion about the subject, not secondary source “expert” opinions. Broad topic areas include:
a) Compare the character, themes, plot, style or symbolism in any TWO authors’ work that we have studied in class, from TWO different literary forms (play, short story or poetry).
Compare any two specific works from two different literary genres (drama, short story or poetry) in terms of a specific element: theme, character, plot, theme, style).
c) Cultural context: determine the influence of an author’s background, period, and culture as applied to his/her work.
d) Defend your interpretation of two or three works of poetry by the same author, using the examples of the elements of poetry found in the work as evidence.
e) Select one playwright studied: develop an original position regarding the nature of his/her work and its impact on today’s audience.
f) Show how a specific poem, short story and play mirror each other either as partners or opposites using the elements of each literary form.
RESEARCH: Once you have identified the author and work(s), begin researching: using ONLY preferred websites (use Hunt Library search engines or in-hand works) find as much as you can about your author and works. (No less than four secondary sources)
• Keep an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRPHY for your sources for each source consulted, whether used in the paper or not (use the research document forms on Blackboard, creating a listing for EACH source used)
• Create a works cited page in MLA format (see p 941 in text)
• Photographs, images or other VISUAL WORK may be used to support your thesis
• Develop planning documents with detailed work for each main point used in your argument. This should correspond with your works cited page, and no work should be included that has not been cited in the paper.
OUTLINE: After completing the planning documents for each paragraph of support (evidence, its meaning, and the point you plan to make in support of your thesis) develop an outline of the main points, showing a definite order of developing the argument. (small to large ideas, spacial, chronological, broad to specific, etc.)
Drafting: Write the first draft, developing a working title as well as a fantastic opening paragraph that includes your thesis, main points in preview and some background information. Develop a concluding paragraph that does more than summarizes the paper.
Editing and Revision: After the first draft, return to the paper and edit errors, language, etc., and revise paragraphs so that the argument flows with transitions connecting all ideas, with thoughts that are expressed to the best of your ability.
FINAL DRAFT: This is your final exam, due on the last day of class. This paper is the culmination of your experience in Studies in Literature, with a strong application of what you have learned about the elements of drama, short story and/or poetry. Spelling, punctuation, formatting, citations, wording, and the power and structure of your argument should be perfect!

This post was edited by bodybuilder2007 on Apr 9 2014 05:12pm