What makes literature “good” and what makes it “not good”?

Part 1: Due Wed. by 11:59 pm.
Part 1 of this discussion board will help you gain a better understanding of what it takes to write a really good paragraph for a literary analysis essay. To complete this task, please look over the following document that details the evolution of a literary paragraph.
Document that Shows the Evolution of a Literary Paragraph [opens in a new window]
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wojiezi0vjen9fd/Paragraph-Development.docx?dl=0
Note how the addition of the material in bold makes each paragraph a little better.
Please write a response in which you articulate the exact changes made within the revisions and say how these changes strengthened each paragraph.
Example of Response: In Version 2, the writer identifies the author of the novel being discussed and clarifies the subject of the novel. The writer also added context about the main character and a supporting quote (changes made). These additions help the reader gain important knowledge about the novel’s characters and setting before the analysis begins. The quote supports the writer’s claims about the main character (how changes improved paragraph). In Version 3, the writer…(go through the different versions, noting the changes and how the changes help improve the writing).
Part 2: Due Sun. by 11:59 pm
Now is your chance to put to use what you learned about the components of a good literary analysis paragraph.
In a well-written paragraph that exemplifies many of the moves demonstrated in the sample paragraphs from the document above (e.g. context, supporting evidence, analysis), please respond to one of the following questions.
1. Why is Poe so popular amongst readers of all ages and backgrounds? Cite evidence from his works to prove your point.
2. Why might authors such as Whitman and Emerson have seen Poe’s work as lacking merit? Keep in mind that Poe’s writing fell out of favor for about three decades after his death. It wasn’t rejuvenated until later in the nineteenth century thanks to the work of French Imagists. Poe was not always the cult classic writer that he is today. Be sure to cite textual evidence.
3. What makes literature “good” and what makes it “not good”? I recognize that these terms are somewhat limiting, but do your best to try to come up with ways in which we evaluate literature. You may want to consider things such as popularity, historic relevance, innovation, aesthetics, etc. Be sure to cite examples from Poe’s work to prove your point.
You will be graded on your ability to follow the prompt’s directions, thoroughness of content (including textual references), and adherence to the rules of Standard Academic English. For more grading information, please see the rubric.

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