English 102, danika brown (http://www.u.arizona.edu/~danika)


Essay #2:
Text in Context

The focus for unit 2 is putting texts into context. We are attempting to gain a fuller and more informed reading of a text by exploring it within circumstances that surround the text. In the last unit, you analyzed a short piece based on a close reading and interpretations supported by evidence directly in the text. For this unit, you will supplement your close reading of Ernest J. Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying with readings that bring in the contexts surrounding the text.

For this assignment, you will write a 5-7 page essay that develops a discussion of the novel A Lesson Before Dying in terms of context. You will draw on at least 3 outside sources (use MLA format; resources are on reserve) to discuss your interpretation of the novel and its context in a meaningful way. You will be making an argument of interpretation and giving your reader some sense of how this book is situated in the context you are drawing on.

You can think of context in a variety of ways. I am listing some suggestions here, but you are not limited to these ideas. Please see me to discuss other ideas.

Author's Context: You might consider looking at the novel in the context of the author. That is, who is Ernest J. Gaines? What in his personal life motivated him to write the novel and why. This approach would require you to find out as much as possible about the author and to tie the themes, characters, issues (etc) of the novel into his life and goals. (Some of you attempted to do a little of this with Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues" when you tried to look for autobiographical elements.)

Historical Context: This novel is set in 1940's Louisiana. What was going on at that time in terms of the issues in the novel. Why is the novel set at that particular time. What historical information sheds light on the action of the novel? This approach would require you to research the history and look for real events which may have informed the story of this novel.

Subject/Issue Context: Some of the issues in this novel lend themselves to approaches as context. For example, the role of religion, the role of education, and the role of the legal system all are important in terms of what happens in the story. You might want to research any one of those systems and see what Gaines is saying about how those "institutions" impacted (and continue to impact) the communities sense of identity (and individual's sense of identity). I would recommend you start with the essay on reserve, "Lessons about Manhood…."

Gender Context: The role women play in this novel is very important. You might want to approach this novel from a gendered angle and analyze what is going on in terms of gender roles (what does it mean to be a "man" and how is that different from being a woman in this community?). You will want to read some articles on the role of women, or on gender differences and see how those articles inform your interpretation of what happens in the novel.

Race Context: A significant issue in the novel is race and racism. What is the context of race (and I might suggest that this context is a current one as well). The tension of race occurs in terms of fair treatment in the legal system, educational opportunities, etc. How does the novel reveal issues of race?

At any rate, these are just suggestions. You need to find the context which most interests you and which gives you the most rich way into the novel and write an interesting analysis of the novel through that context.

You will be posting preliminary ideas (a "zero" draft, if you will), a developed rough draft, and your final draft on the Lesson web page. You will receive feedback from me, your classmates, and your colleagues in the other classes. I highly recommend that you make appointments with me or email me with questions and to discuss your approaches to and drafts of this essay.

Preliminary Draft Due (emailed): Wednesday, March 11

Rough Draft Due (hardcopy in class, electronic copy for posting and my response): Monday, March 23

Final Draft Due: Monday, March 30

This essay is worth 200 points (20%) and journals/caucus/in-class writing all go toward the 10% total.


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