Interpretative Essay: Four to five pages (typed an double spaced)
WRITING PROMPT: Choose a myth from either of your two texts. In this analysis, analyze how this myth functions—how it encourages you to see the world, either positively or negatively. DO NOT USE A MYTH DISCUSSED IN CLASS
Choose a myth from either of your two texts
1.) Myth and Knowing: An Introduction to World
Mythology (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004).
2.) The World of Myth (New York: Oxford UP, 2014)-available online free PDF
Include three secondary sources
Include a contemporary connection— literature, film, media of any sort,
In this analysis, analyze how this myth functions—how it encourages you to see the world, either positively or negatively.
Other considerations:
Plot summary should not go beyond the introduction. The focus should be on your own analysis—not what happens. An essay that does plot summary will receive no higher than 50%. If you notice you are using chronological markers (first and other references to numbers, then, next, later, after), you are doing plot summary.
Proper Citation is required. Any quoted material and any referenced idea must be cited after its use. Use parenthetical (in-text documentation in MLA form, 8th edition). Failure to document constitutes plagiarism. An essay not properly documented will receive a zero. An example of parenthetical documentation is provided at the end of this document. If you do not have the MLA handbook for Writers of Research Papers, see Southeast A-Z /Writing Lab (Center for Writing Excellence) /MLA Style: http://www.semo.edu/writing/mla_style.html (Links to an external site.)
or use Purdue Owl: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ (Links to an external site.)
Credibility of sources: Why should we believe the source you quoted? In part, an essay is only as good as the sources cited. This means no Wikipedia as or its variations as a cited source.
Provide a list of Works Cited (MLA form 8th edition) of all works referenced.
In addition to the fulfilling the criteria listed above, you will also be evaluated on the following:
A clear introduction: The introduction provides necessary background for what is to come. Keep in mind this is what your reader sees first. Attempt to make a good impression.
A clear thesis that provides a map for the rest of the essay: The thesis should be the last sentence in the first paragraph.
Ingenuity in analyzing your chosen myth. This is really key. Be creative.
Directive focus for each paragraph that proves the idea established in the thesis. Make sure you do not drift off topic.
Ample textual evidence and quoted material. This means you need to quote portions of the text to support your reading.
Insightful interpretative statements that comment on the textual evidence: A good interpretative analysis balances ample textual evidence with interpretative comment.
Integration of primary and secondary sources: Sources are well integrated into the essay and properly cited.
Organization: Avoid block quotations—they take up space. Also, avoid short paragraphing—this creates choppiness: For example, three sentences are not enough to demonstrate an idea.
Logic of argument: The interpretation makes sense and reflects what the text says and does. Your interpretation should not be your fantasy of what you would like the text to be.
Mechanics: The essay uses proper grammar and punctuation. Note that short stories and poems require quotation marks, and longer works, such as novels, plays, and films, require italics.
Clarity: Avoid wordiness.
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