Research Paper

Write an analytical essay of from 1,000-1,200 words in which you analyze at least two works we read in class based on a common theme.
Themes you might consider are:
the symbolism behind zombies, witches, and vampires and what they represent in our society
the world of fear and panic these stories create and why
the role and/or treatment of women in these stories and what it says about our society
how these stories,especially the older ones, hold up in our current times, e.g. the global pandemic
any theme or motif you see throughout any of the stories
Literary Analysis: This type of paper argues for an interpretation of a story or stories based on your analysis. For example, you might argue that tone and diction are essential in understanding the stance of the narrator in the story or that witch stories demonstrate a point about patriarchal society through the use of figurative language or characterization. You can tailor this prompt to your interests—the story/stories you enjoy and the elements that you find most important in forwarding a theme in the work. If you decide to work with more than one story, you will want to find a connection between them that suggests rich intersections.
Purpose
This essay project provides an opportunity for you to enter a literary conversation about your chosen topic that has been in process over time and engages many voices. With your argument, you become part of that literary conversation. In a successful essay, you will demonstrate the research skills acquired in this unit.  Specifically, these include locating sources and categorizing them (popular, trade, scholarly), vetting sources (knowing the credentials of the writer), and choosing the most effective way to bring outside voices into your essay (summary, paraphrase, quotation) to support your central idea about the literary work. You will also demonstrate your abilities to analyze your chosen work of literature using the elements of the genre that are listed in our text and practiced in class. Your argument brings together your skills as a scholar in research and in analysis. Assignment Requirements
∙ Present a thesis statement that provides an answer to the question(s) you’ve chosen to investigate ∙ Support your thesis using evidence from the primary text and your secondary sources
∙ Develop paragraphs that support your thesis in a logically organized way
∙ Effectively incorporate and interpret direct quotes and paraphrases from your primary text and  secondary sources
∙ Incorporate 3 additional secondary, scholarly, or peer reviewed sources
∙ MLA formatting throughout
∙ Be a minimum of 1000-1200 words, not counting your Works Cited page.
∙ Be clear engaging, and error free.