Balzac Essay

THESE ARE ALL HARD DEADLINES!

Monday Nov 29^th                    Thesis statement (end of class)           20 points

Tuesday Nov 30^th                    All quotes due                                     30 points

Tuesday Nov 30^th                    First body paragraph (end of class)     50 points

Wednesday Dec 1                    Second body paragraph due                50 points

Wednesday Dec 1                    Third body paragraph (end of class)    50 points

Thursday Dec 2                       Intro and conclusion due                     50 points

Thursday Dec 2                       LAB DAY TO TYPE DRAFT

Friday Dec 3                            Complete, typed rough draft due        100 points

Thursday Dec 8                       LAB DAY TO REVISE DRAFT

Friday Dec 9                            Complete, typed final draft due           100 points

                                                                        TOTAL:                      450 project points

Essay prompt: Your job is to answer this question: How does one character change, and what causes this change?

Thesis:

(Character’s Name) changes from a ___________________ _{(Body Paragraph #1)}

to ____________________{(Body Paragraph # 2)}, because  ______________________{(Body Paragraph # 3)}.

Example:

Four Eyes changes from a timid intellectual to a secretive, rebellious young man because of his desperation to leave the mountain village.

ESSAY STRUCTURE

1. Introduction Paragraph = The first sentence should state title and author and a brief summary. Then, finish briefly summarizing the novel, focusing on the character you chose. The final sentence of the introduction is the thesis.

2. Paragraph One = Analyze what the character is like at the beginning of the novel.

3. Paragraph Two = Analyze the change the character goes through by the end of the novel

4. Paragraph Three = Analyze what/who influences this change in the character.

5. Brief Conclusion = 3-5 sentences that answer the question “So What?” Conclusion must explain why the character’s change is important. DO NOT repeat earlier commentary. GO DEEP.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

« Write in third person only

« Write in present tense

« Title of novel is underlined or in italics.

« Please use transition words (However, In addition, Consequently, Thus, As a result of, etc)

« Body Paragraphs: Topic sentences must connect to thesis. Look at the blanks in the thesis templates!  Each one corresponds to a body paragraph in the essay. Follow proper chunk format for the rest of the paragraph.

« Use quotes for your concrete details. Properly introduce your quotes. Remember to add page numbers in parenthesis after quotes. 

« Commentary must thoughtfully connect CDs to topic sentences, but of course you already know this. I am looking for thoughtful and deep analysis—it’s time to step up your game on your commentaries!

« If you have already discussed being “let off” chunks, or you think you’re ready, come speak to me for permission.