a research essay analyzing Margaret Atwoods novel, The Handmaids Tale, paying special attention to symbolism, character development, and theme.

Requirements

In your introductory paragraph, state a clear thesis using the template weve discussed in class: By showing us [this specific element of the narrative], The Handmaids Tale urges us to consider [this particular theme]. (See pp. 1921 for more on thesis statements and pp. 429-433 for assistance with identifying themes).
In your essays body:
Use specifics (e.g., characters names and in-depth analysis of the novels events) to illustrate your main points and support your central argument (thesis).
Quote and/or paraphrase from four to six pieces of literary criticism from Santa Monica Colleges library databases. (Academic Search Premier or JSTOR are good places to start.)
Identify your sources with proper MLA parenthetical citation.
Identify quotes from the novel using page numbers. I suggest using between 7 and 10 passages.
Be careful not to make this paper a patchwork of quotations/paraphrases from the novel and secondary sources with occasional “chiming in” on your part. Effective analyses are typically comprised of between 25 and 30 percent quotations/paraphrases, which means the discussion is primarily (70 to 75 percent) yours.
Use your concluding paragraph to summarize your main points and restate your thesis.
Finally, include a works cited page to list your sources (including the novel itself). Use Easybib.com for assistance in compiling your works cited page.
As always, you should utilize very little plot summary. Assume your audience is familiar with the events and characters in the narrative. In other words, don’t tell your audience what happens in the novel’s plot; rather, tell the audience how you interpret events and characters in the narrative.

For additional guidelines, consult The Writing Process (1938-1950). We will discuss composition strategies in class with special emphasis on elements about which you have questions.

I also strongly recommend using one of the following critical approaches** to guide your discussion (see the corresponding page numbers for more info.):                                 

Marxist Criticism, A16-A17

Feminist Criticism, A17-A19

Gender Studies and Queer Theory, A19-A20

New Historicism, A22-A23

Psychoanalytic Criticism, A11-A14

**Note that combinations of these schools of thought is permissible (and encouraged)