Literary analysis paper

Project Overview

The course project is based on aspects of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, which is the novel you are assigned to read for the course. You will write a 6 page literary analysis paper, which should focus on the theme and three or more of the literary terms you studied in Modules 1-3. For example, you might show how the author, Mark Haddon, used the first person point of view, a young protagonist, and stream of consciousness to explore a certain theme, such as Coming of Age. The paper will need to show examples of how this novel is an example of post-modern literature in both theme and style. For example, you might choose to explore the novel as a "genre" novel or more closely examine the stylistic nature of the work. While reading the novel and formulating ideas for a paper, examine the following questions to gain a deeper understanding of how to read and write about literature:

What techniques did the author use to create memorable characters?
What point of view is used in the novel? For example, is it written from the first person viewpoint or is it 3rd person, or even 3rd person omniscient? Is the viewpoint important to the story? Find supporting evidence that explains the unique viewpoint presented in this novel.
What are the major conflicts examined in the novel? How are the conflicts explained?
How did the author incorporate other stylistic devices in this novel? What was unusual and modern about the style? What is the main idea or theme? Sometimes there are multiple themes in a work of fiction. When reading the novel, look for clues that focus on the main idea or point(s) that you think the novel is presenting to readers?
How is dialogue used in the novel?
Is the setting important in the novel? If so, explain why and how the setting is used.
Was the title of the novel significant or symbolic? If so, why?
What do you think (from your research) was the author’s purpose in writing this novel?
What changes (if any) do you think this novel brought about in modern literature?

Some of the modules in this course and additional resources that are provided will help you to understand the items listed above. Other components of your project, a thesis, annotated bibliography, and outline, are designed to help you write your final paper. Assignment instructions and resources for each of the project components will be detailed in later modules.

Rasmussen's Library and Learning Services team has developed a LIT3382 Modern World Literature Course Guide which contains course project information and resources specific to each project component. You are strongly encouraged to read through the Course Project section of the guide to become familiar with the detailed requirements of the project and to take full advantage of the resources made available to you. Access to the guide can be found in your Module 01 course tab.