Feminine identity and self-expression in Everyday Use and I…

Paper #2: Comparative Literary Analysis Length: 700800 words Purpose / Assignment Overview For this paper, youll write a comparative literary analysis that examines how two works explore a shared theme. Your goal is to identify meaningful similarities between the texts and analyze how each author develops key ideas through literary techniques. Choose One Pair of Texts & Prompt Option Option 2: Discuss feminine identity, self-expression, or place in society in Everyday Use and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Analysis of Story 1 (quotes + explanation), You must integrate quotes into your analysis. EX: Introduce the quote, signal phrase followed by quote, the quote, itself, and the explanation of the quote. Transition, (transition into the next story, and follow the same guideline. and Analysis of Story 2 (quotes + explanation). You will compare and contrast the two works, focusing on shared themes rather than simply describing differences. Writing Process Steps Follow the writing process to develop your ideas clearly and effectively: Prewrite / Brainstorm Use this guide: UNC Prewriting Guide Brainstorm Cluster Construct a Thesis Create an Outline Gather Evidence Reread both texts Identify key passages or quotes that support your ideas Choose a theme with strong textual evidence Develop a Working Thesis Focus on similarities between the texts Refine your thesis to make it specific and clear Draft & Revise Organize your comparison around three main points Revise for clarity, grammar, and flow Use academic tone (no I, you, contractions, or slang) Structure: Point-by-Point Comparison Format Each body paragraph should analyze how both authors handle the same topic (do not use the block format). Required Literary Focus Your analysis must address all of the following areas: 1. Theme Select one theme clearly present in both stories. The theme must be supported with strong, specific evidence. 2. Characterization (REQUIRED COMPARATIVE BODY PARAGRAPH) You must include one full body paragraph devoted entirely to characterization. In this paragraph, compare: The main characters in both stories (traits, motivations, conflicts, development) The secondary characters in both stories How characterization in each story helps develop the shared theme Do not summarize the plot. Characterization must be analytical and comparative. 3. Additional Comparative Topics Choose two additional comparative topics (for a total of three body paragraphs). Examples include: Societal cruelty Human suffering Family dynamics These are examples. Use the themes we explored in this unit. All topics must help explain the shared theme. Organization & Structure This is a point-by-point comparison essay. Discuss both stories in the same paragraph. Introduction Brief summary of Story 1 Brief summary of Story 2 Introduction of the shared theme End with an underlined comparative thesis statement that emphasizes similarities Your thesis must begin with one of the following words: Although, While, Even though, Despite Body Paragraphs (3 total minimum) Body Paragraph 1: Comparative Topic #1 Topic sentence introducing the comparative focus Analysis of Story 1 (quotes + explanation) Transition Analysis of Story 2 (quotes + explanation) Body Paragraph 2: Characterization Topic sentence comparing how both authors use characterization to develop the theme Comparison of main characters in both stories Comparison of secondary characters in both stories Explanation of how characterization reinforces the shared theme Body Paragraph 3: Comparative Topic #2 Topic sentence introducing the comparative focus Analysis of Story 1 (quotes + explanation) Transition Analysis of Story 2 (quotes + explanation) Citation Requirement: Minimum three direct quotes per paragraph MLA-style parenthetical citations using page numbers from the Blackboard texts Conclusion Restate the thesis Summarize your main comparisons Explain why the theme matters beyond the stories Formatting & Style Requirements Present tense only Third-person academic voice (no I, we, you) Times New Roman, 12-point font Double-spaced throughout Original, thoughtful title MLA header (no cover page) Works Cited page required (MLA 9th edition) Avoid: Contractions Colloquialisms and clichs Works Cited Cite all primary texts using MLA 9th edition guidelines, including works from anthologies, Blackboard uploads, and approved online sources.