Essay Assignment
Theory and Criticism
Dr. Ramirez

This course has introduced a critical and theoretical approach to literature.  We have "run" the assigned literature (Dryden, Shelley, Byron) through selected theories and critical approaches, such as Classical Formalism, Mythopoetics, and New Historicism.    We have also understood Dryden and Haggard's works as interconnected in terms of their representations of Latin America. So by now you know the themes that unite these works and you have learned that theory is dense and highly discursive, that authors refer to a body of knowledge presumed to be shared by their readers; that they make allusions to
literature assumed to have been read.

For this assignment, I want you to take one theory or concept from The Critical Tradition and apply it to your reading of The Virgin of the Sun. Thinkers whose work seems most appropriate include Aristotle (on character and fortune), Said (in terms of representing the "other") and Frye (on archetypes). You might find connections with other theorists/critics that have been assigned, but those mentioned above seem the most applicable to Haggard's novel.


Before embarking on this assignment, you should review your notes, the presentations in class, and the comments that surface during
discussion.  This information will help you to apply theory to the literature.  As you prepare your paper, I expect you to revise your work
based on peer review in order to advance a sophisticated argument.

The essay should apply theory to Rider Haggard's The Virgin of the Sun. Please note that I am more interested in the application of theory or the criticism than a recounting of the  novel.  Make theory the point of departure. You should make a specific and sustained connection to one of the authors in The Critical Tradition. This connection may include a selection of well chosen quotes and an elaboration on those quotes as they  inform our reading of the novel.
Requirements:
1. Submit a one paragraph abstract of your essay idea on Wednesday March 9
2. Write a polished, 5 page typed draft and compose works cited. Make three copies for the Peer Critique on Wednesday, March 16
3. Submit 5-6 page essay with drafts and peer critiques on Monday, March 21.
Please note: No extensions. No late work will be accepted.

4. Address the following compositional issues:

     Use active verbs (get rid of the "to be" verbs: is, are, was were, be being, etc.)
     Get rid of expletives (there are, there were, it is, it was, etc.)
     Use literary present tense ("Haggard represents Kari as the rightful heir to the throne.")
     Use transitions between paragraphs to connect ideas
     Use author, page citations (see MLA below).
     Include a works cited
     Limit quotes to one or two a page and integrate them (introduce them and respond to them)
     Avoid first person
     Find a unique approach

5. Provide a meaningful title
6. Format of Work: Word process your work with a computer.
Double space all hard copies
Use 12 point font, Times New Roman; 1 inch margins all around (no padding with wide margins).
Use the Modern Language Association Style to document outside sources, including web pages.
Include the following information:
          Your Name
          The Date
          Dr. Ramirez, California State University
          Theory and Criticism
          Title of the Essay
It is essential that you make constant back-ups of your work. Misplacing or losing files can be frustrating
and it does happen with frequency.  However file problems or any other kind of computer and printing problems will not excuse late work.
Print drafts as a safety measure and save a copy on a NEW disk.