PAPER TOPIC 1 – COM LIT 101W SUMMER 2020 ONLINE

PAPER TOPIC 1 – COM LIT 101W SUMMER 2020 ONLINE

In the Poetic Aristotle writes “Since the objects that the imitators represent are persons engaged in action, and since these persons will necessarily be persons of either a higher or lower (inferior) moral type … they represent them accordingly as either better than we are or worse, or about the same.” (Norton Edition, 1982, (1448a)) The best object of comic imitation, however, is not any kind of fault, but the ridiculous (or inferior), which is a type of “ugly” (Poetics (49a33-34)).

1. Paper 1:  Considering Aristotle’s definition of the ridiculous, or the inferior (a kind of ethical or moral ugliness)and comparing two male characters on your choice in “Lysistrata,” explain in what way are they “inferior” or “ridiculous.”  For this topic you need to make to read the excerpts on the ridiculous/comical/laughable posted on Blackboard under “Content.”

In developing this paper, make sure to briefly explain, first, what it means to be “inferior” by quoting one or two theories posted in the folder on the comical under “Content.” You also need to quote three small examples of men being “ridiculous” or “inferior,” in “Lysistrata.” Make sure to analyze your quotes and to connect them to the overall theme, or issue, of your paper.   When you upload it on Blackboard make sure to check the Safe Assign tab, to make sure there is no plagiarism in your paper.  If I find you have plagiarized, you will receive an F for this paper. This paper needs to be 5-6 pages long.  Upload as Word Document only.  This paper is due by midnight of

In developing this paper, make sure to briefly explain, first, what it means to be “ridiculous” by quoting the theories posted on Blackboard. You also need to quote three examples of men being “ridiculous,” from “Lysistrata.” Make sure to analyze your quotes and to connect them to the overall theme, or issue, of your paper.   When you upload it on Blackboard make sure to check the Safe Assign tab, to make sure there is no plagiarism in your paper.  If I find you have plagiarized, you will receive an F for this paper. This paper needs to be 7-8 pages long. Upload as Word Document only.  This paper is due by midnight of January 23, 2020.

STRUCTURE (lines crossed over do not apply to this assignment)

1. Briefly introduce the reader to each novel/comedy, and explain why you are comparing them, what they have in common;
2. State your argument at the end of the introduction or in the second paragraph. Your argument should:

• Make clear the grounds of comparison, or why you are comparing these novelscharacters
• Focus on the contrast between the two literary works characters
• Make sure your thesis is debatable and related to your topic.
• Use a relevant theoretical framework (Refer to the theories of the laughter/ridiculous I posted on BB)

3. Illustrate your comparative argument through relevant textual examples, alternating in your analysis of subtopics from one literary work to another. Engage with critics who have written about the novel, either to agree or disagree with them. Compare and contrast the endings of each novel.
4. Discuss the implications of your analysis. How has it changed the way we think about an issue of importance in today’s world?

Compare-contrast transition words: “Like,” “Unlike,” “In contrast with,” “Whereas,” and “However.”

Verbs: explores, illustrates, examines, portrays, depicts, underscores, highlights, emphasizes, focuses on.

Your essay should be double-spaced, and should include an MLA Works Cited page. Your quotes need to be single space. You should refer to at least one to twosecondary textsI have posted on Blackboard.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PAPER

1. Be sure to include the titles of the works you are analyzing in your title. Example:“Being Inferior in Lysistrata and in “Menippus….”
2. Do not double space between paragraphs.
3. Cite your sources, both primary and secondary, in parentheses throughout your paper. Include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper.
4. Integrate textual evidence into the body of your essay (Quotes in Your Argument need to be single space).
5. Make sure each paragraph has a topic sentence and that there are effective transitions between paragraphs.
6. Avoid comma splicesor putting a period between sentences that are not complete.

Use semi-colons or rewrite sentences with conjunctions.

Example of comma splice: Desdemona can be seen as a feminist heroine, she defies patriarchal norms by eloping with a Moor.

Rewritten: Desdemona can be seen as a feminist heroine because she defies patriarchal norms by eloping with a Moor.

7. Avoid block quotes. Quotes should not exceed three lines.
8. Number each page at the top right-hand margin.
9. Italicize titles.
10. Be sure to use the present tense when you discuss literary works (details of plot, character, etc).