For this assignment, students will write a literary analysis essay that follows the formal conventions of an academic essay (including a unique title, introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, 3-4 body paragraphs that include quotations from the text(s) and some research from a secondary source, concluding paragraph, and Works Cited page in MLA style). A minimum of 2 secondary research source should be included. A secondary source includes any information found from a reputable website, dictionaries or encyclopedias, journal articles or library resources. Please include both an in-text citation in the essay (Ex. Oxford Dictionary) and a reference for the source in your Works Cited.
Research tip: Try doing an author or title search in Google Scholar for a starting point! Or check out the Research Tutorial video on the course homepage to learn how to use the university library to find academic journal articles.
Length: 1000 wds-1250wds (4-5 pages double-spaced)
Due on Sunday Jan. 29th @ 11:59am
Pick ONE of the following topics to answer in your essay:
1. Discuss how Jackson Katz’s concept of the “tough guise” of masculinity is conveyed in one of the following texts: i) “Who’s For the Game?” by Jessie Pope; ii) Horace’s Ode 3.2; iii. Timothy Findley’s The Wars. In your essay discuss how the poem or novel conveys men’s efforts to uphold a facade or persona of toughness or hegemonic masculinity?
2. Discuss how Wilfred Owen’s poem “Dulce Et Decorum Est” or Timothy Findley’s novel The Wars challenges the glorified image of soldiers found in war propaganda? Try to identify how the author uses literary devices (such as imagery, diction, character development, irony, symbolism, etc.) to convey war in a realistic or gruesome way?
3. According to academic scholar Evan Caris, WWI propaganda helped to construct “war . . . [as] the greatest manifestation of masculinity. It offered men a way to have adventure, put their fitness on trial, and protect women” (5). In your essay, discuss how Jessie Pope’s “Who’s for the Game?” supports this claim. (*Note: you do not need to read Evan Caris’s dissertation to answer this question; instead, use his quotation as a jumping off point for your own interpretations).
4. Using supporting evidence and specific examples, examine Timothy Findley’s novel The Wars or Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce Et Decorum Est” by focusing on ONE major theme or idea. For example, you might choose ONE of the following themes:
i. Loss of innocence
ii. The social construction of masculinity
iii. Sexuality (including homosexuality, or homophobia)
iv. War trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder
vi. Internal Conflicts of identity or morality
vii. Soldiers: Victims or Perpetrators?
viii. Antagonists or villains (who or what are the opposing forces in the text)
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