[Get Solution] Ordinary Evil of the Villagers
Literary Analysis of The Novel Length: 1200-1500 words Develop a strong thesis statement from one of the following topics and write a well-organized argumentative essay, which analyses the literary work or works under consideration closely and carefully, in order to defend your thesis. Be sure to making specific references to the work you are discussing throughout your paper. Guidelines: All essays must be submitted in only the following formats: .doc, .docx. .rft, or pdf. They should be typed, double spaced, with 1 (2.5 cm) margins on all sides. Use an 11 or 12 pt. font. Please number all pages on the top right-hand corner and include a separate title page containing your name, your essay’s title, the topic number, the course number and section, the instructor’s name and the due date. Remember also to follow MLA guidelines and to include a properly formatted Works Cited page even if your only “source” is the novel. Finally, be sure to include an original title of your own devising (one which refers to the work), an introduction and a conclusion, and a clear, concise thesis statement at the end of the introduction. Grading Emphases: I will check to see that you are employing correct grammar, showing the ability to define a topic narrowly, developing a focused, argumentative thesis about it, using good organization (topic sentences, good paragraphing, smooth transitions), making an effective use of textual evidence to construct an argument, properly integrating quotations, and ensuring the correct citation of sources. Requirements: Your essay should include the following: 1) A properly formatted title page and a Works Cited page created according to the MLA method. All textual references and in-text citations must also be documented using the MLA method. Mistakes in applying the method will receive extra deductions of up to 5%. Pages should be numbered on the top right-hand corner. 2) An original title which is not the same as the heading on the topic sheet. Essays without titles will receive an additional deduction (5%). 3) A clear, concise thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph (i.e. your introduction). 4) A preview or outline of your argument in a sentence somewhere in the introduction (it should precede the thesis statement). 5) Focussed topic sentences at the start of every paragraph. These topic sentences should refer back to and advance your thesis. 6) At least one short quotation per paragraph, and where possible, two or more per paragraph, to support your points. When you do quote the text, remember that you must comment on the quotation or discuss it in some way. Avoid paraphrasing or summarizing the text, but instead make an interpretation. 7) Your quotations should be properly integrated according to the techniques discussed in class. There should be no comma splices, no fused sentences and no hanging quotations mistakes such as these will receive extra deductions (5-10%). 8) Please double space your essay. Essays which are not double-spaced will not be marked. Topic for writing The Ordinary Evil of the Villagers: a) In some ways this novel explores the banality of evil through the prejudices and attitudes of all the characters. So, how are the villagers in this novel antagonistic and/or evil in their actions towards the girls, and what does this evil signify in the world of the novel? What are some of the petty ways in which the villagers torment the Blackwood girls, and what is their significance? Are the reasons behind their ill-mannered behaviour and hostility valid or not? Why does this hostility against the Blackwood family seem to precede the mysterious poisonings at the Blackwood house? b) Do you think the villagers would behave differently toward the Blackwoods if they really knew them? Why or why not On the other hand, the protagonists of the novel also resent and disparage the villagers? Do they deserve it? What do their prejudices against the people of the town indicate about the Blackwood girls? c) What do you make of the climactic scene during the fire when the mob of villagers gleefully exults in the houses destruction, while also looting and smashing the familys possessions? What do you make of the fact that they seem very threatening, almost on the verge of killing the girls? Why do they stop? After this cruel incident, why does their manner change at the very end of the story, and what do their apology meals and gifts now indicate about their characters?