Introduction to Themes and Literature
So far, we have covered a variety of themes in this class – ignorance, Faustian, cultural, and others. Each of these themes can be applied to the stories we have read.

For your first essay, I want you to explore these themes. Take a character or two from a reading. Analyze that character based on a theme mentioned above. Below is an example:

Twyla and Roberta – both of these characters come from Toni Morrison’s Recitatif. One theme that surrounds this story and these characters is ignorance. Both are quite ignorant at times and this moves the story along and allows the reader to see a more in-depth look at both women. How do these characters and the particular theme that surrounds these characters relate to some of the other stories/characters we have read so far? Explain it to me. (Remember, this is an example; you must use the stories we read and take a deeper, analytical look at them. No summaries!)

That is the purpose of Essay #1 – analyze a theme and a character(s) from a story with another. Finding similarities and links within a theme helps the reader/audience understand the work more. Remember, our overarching theme in this class is psychology. Each of the stories we read can be linked to psychology in some way; with that in mind, search other sources that defend your position on the character(s) you are analyzing.

Rules

• Two sources are needed; use parenthetical citations!!
• MLA Format (Remember to review the OWL website)
• 800 words (rough draft)

Remember, make sure your thesis is strong, your grammar is correct, and your parenthetical citations are present.

_______________________