General Information About the Papers

You should write one Paper A and one Paper B during the term. You do not need to write them in this order; that is, you may, if you wish, write Paper B first. Each of the papers, however, should focus on a different novel. At least one should be written on one of the novels read during the first half of the term (up to and including The House of the Seven Gables). While you may investigate what critics have said about the novels before you write, you are not required to do so. I am most interested in your thoughts and ideas (I can read the published critics on my own).

Paper A

For Paper A (due before general class discussion of the novel--usually the second day the novel is listed on the syllabus), select a passage from an early point in the novel that you think is critical to some type of development that occurs later in the novel (plot, theme, or character, or a combination of these three) and explain why you think it is an important passage. Answer what is frequently called the "so what" question; why should readers pay attention to this passage? Don't just say that it is important; tell me why it is important.

Paper B

For Paper B (due a week following general class discussion of the novel), select either one of the discussion questions I wrote or a question raised during discussion. Selection of the topic can be important; some questions merely seek clarification of content, plot, and so forth, and would thus not provide much scope for a paper. The task here is to explore the question to a greater degree than allowed by class discussion; class discussion should provide a springboard for your evolving (and I hope interesting) thoughts on the question. Note: If you write Paper B on the last novel of the term, The Rise and Fall of Silas Lapham, the due date is Monday of finals week, December 6, by noon.

Grading

I will evaluate your papers based on what you say as well as how well you say it. Form and content cannot be separated. A grammatically or mechanically perfect paper will not automatically receive a top grade, as content is at least equally important. Neither can a grammatically flawed or sloppily prepared paper earn a top grade, no matter how brilliant the argument or discussion.

Mechanics

You should use accurate quotation, citation, and bibliography or works cited style and mechanics. Information on how to do so using either MLA or APA format is included in the course packet.

Please type or word process your paper, double spaced, on 8 1/2 by 11" white paper; do not use ease-erase or onion-skin. Dot-matrix is acceptable if legible (i.e., use a clean, dark ribbon; readable print style; etc.) Leave at least 1" margins on all sides. Be sure to title your paper--your title is your first opportunity to catch your reader's attention and interest. No "cover" sheet is required: simply put your name, date, title, and other pertinent information on the first page. Keep a copy of your paper until your original is returned. See the course packet for further information.

Due Dates for Fall Term, 1999

Remember: You will only write one Paper A and one Paper B; this table shows the due dates for all the papers for the entire term. 

Last Updated 9/20/99