For this portion of the research paper, you will discuss the views of two pieces of literary criticism about “I know why the caged bird sings” ( maya angelou)that was written in 1960s. For your discussion, you will argue one of the following stances: 1. You agree with the argument made in one of the pieces of criticism, but not the other; 2. You agree with the arguments or parts of the arguments made in both pieces of criticism; or 3. You disagree with the arguments made in both pieces of criticism. Explain why you feel this way and support your reason(s) as much as possible.
You must read and understand both pieces of literary criticism as well as the poem that they are about. I will assist you in your search to make sure that you find appropriate sources. We will spend two class periods in the library doing the searches.
Definition of literary criticism: the evaluation, analysis, description, or interpretation of literary works. It is usually in the form of a critical essay, but in-depth book reviews can sometimes be considered literary criticism. Criticism may examine a particular literary work, or may look at an author’s writings as a whole.
This essay should be at least one page, double-spaced. You must include the following:
- An introduction which moves from general to specific information and introduces the literary work and the criticism written during your decade. It then leads to a thesis statement with a topic (the interpretation made about the poem) and a controlling idea (the argument you are making about this interpretation).
- At least two body paragraphs giving reasons why you believe the way you do
- Refutation of the opposing viewpoint. This can be a third body paragraph, or it can be included in the two body paragraphs from step 2. For example, if you argue that the interpretation made in the criticism from your decade is no longer valid today, then you must acknowledge that some people believe that it is still applicable today, and then explain why your view is more accurate.
- A 2-3 sentence conclusion which moves from specific to general information and restates your thesis statement or the main points in your body paragraphs.
Patterns of organization to use when writing argumentation (use only one pattern):
- Block A (pattern 1 on pp. 290-291 of the handout)
- Introduction: introduce the issue and your thesis statement
- Paragraph 2: give reason 1 (move from least to most important reason, or, if they seem to be of equal importance, move from least to most familiar or obvious, or least to most interesting)
- Paragraph 3: give reason 2
- Paragraph 4: refute the opposition’s most important or obvious reason
- Conclusion: summarize your main points
- Block B (“note” statement in the middle of p. 291 of the handout)
- Introduction: introduce the issue and your thesis statement
- Paragraph 2: refute the opposition’s most important or obvious reason
- Paragraph 3: give reason 1 (move from least to most important reason, or, if they seem to be of equal importance, move from least to most familiar or obvious, or least to most interesting)
- Paragraph 4: give reason 2
- Conclusion: summarize your main points
- Point-by-Point (pattern 2 on pp. 291-292 of the handout)
- Introduction: introduce the issue and your thesis statement
- Paragraph 2: present opponent’s argument 1 with your refutation. Begin the paragraph with a short summary of your opponent’s argument and spend most of the paragraph refuting it.
- Paragraph 3: present opponent’s argument 2 with your refutation. Begin the paragraph with a short summary of your opponent’s argument and spend most of the paragraph refuting it.
- Conclusion: summarize your main points
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