In Weeks 2 and 3 of our course, we are looking at postcolonial theory as an approach for literary analysis, reading The Epic of Gilgamesh in its entirety, and reading Acts I and II of The Tempest. Follow formal writing conventions: scholarly language, APA citation style (OWL Purdue online is very helpful as a resource for this) and clear organization (an identifiable introduction and conclusion with several separate body paragraphs in between). Here’s the path for an effective postcolonial analysis:
1. Select one of the themes of postcolonial theory that you would like to explore. This will be the lens through which you look at the literature. You’ll find a list in the postcolonial theory lecture. If you would like to focus on a theme outside of that list, double-check with me first.
2. Describe how the lens fits into postcolonial theory and explain why it’s a promising choice for the literature. What ideas can be included in that lens? Why is it a worthwhile lens for discussing these particular stories?
3. Apply that lens to The Epic of Gilgamesh and Acts I and II of The Tempest. How does the theme function within these stories? What tensions and insights arise? Are there valuable similarities and differences between how the theme is represented in these two works? Remember that the ultimate goal of a postcolonial literary analysis is to use the literature as a means to make a broader point about the theme, a point that goes beyond the pages of the stories.
Ultimately, your analysis should answer this question: What does the literature teach us about how (your chosen theme) works?
IMPORTANT! Be sure you have at least 5 substantial paragraphs in your essay. Your essay must be on the first 50 pages of The Epic of Gilgamesh and Acts I and II of The Tempest. Be sure to include at least two direct quotes from the text and give proper APA citation within your essay. You must also have a reference page (again, see OWL Purdue online for help with APA reference page). Make sure that all of the information for this assignment is included as I will be searching for it as I grade your essay.
