Textual Criticism

Directions: Write a formal literary essay in which you analyze Zora Neale Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching Godwith a focus on one of the two prompts below. Option 1: Discuss the ways in which each of Janie’s marriages reflects the evolution of Janie’s self-hood and identity in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Option 2: Discuss the ways in which voice and language are linked to the Janie’s quest for empowerment in Their Eyes Were Watching God.   As this essay is a literary analysis, make sure your essay not only has a clear focus, but also has a strong thesis that frames your paper as an argument (not just a summary!). Be sure to develop essay sufficiently and to support your development with textual evidence. You may, of course, include brief quotes in support of your analysis when appropriate, but do not over-rely on direct quotations and do not include block quotes in a paper of this length. As always, be sure to properly quote and cite your sources when necessary. Requirements: Your final essay is due on Wednesday, Dec. 13th , and must be 3-4 pages, typed in proper APA format. Remember to use an original title for your essay. Your essay must also be submitted to Moodle by 1:30pm on the due date. In addition, you are required to include a properly formatted Work Cited page (*Note that you will title the page “Works” – plural – since you are citing more than one source). This page does not count towards the page requirement.