American Lit

American LitAmerican Lit

Literary analysis: Post writingLiterary analysis: Post writing

CONTROLLING CONTROLLING PURPOSE: ReviewPURPOSE: Review

• The controlling purpose is similar to a thesis The controlling purpose is similar to a thesis statement.statement.

• It serves as somewhat of a blueprint for the It serves as somewhat of a blueprint for the entire paper by telling the reader what entire paper by telling the reader what position the writer is taking; or what will be position the writer is taking; or what will be discussed in the paper; or what will be discussed in the paper; or what will be revealed; what will be argued, etc.revealed; what will be argued, etc.

• A well-written essay has a clearly defined A well-written essay has a clearly defined controlling purpose, with evidence to support controlling purpose, with evidence to support it.it.

• An effective conclusion reasserts the An effective conclusion reasserts the controlling purpose, but it also leaves the controlling purpose, but it also leaves the reader with a unique thought to take away reader with a unique thought to take away from the paper.from the paper.

CONTROLLING CONTROLLING PURPOSEPURPOSE

• Little Crow analyses:Little Crow analyses:• Be sure to give your controlling purpose Be sure to give your controlling purpose

context: Let the reader know right away context: Let the reader know right away that you are writing about Dakota Chief that you are writing about Dakota Chief Little Crow; then indicate that he both Little Crow; then indicate that he both affirms and contradicts the stereotypical affirms and contradicts the stereotypical American Indian.American Indian.

• Let’s look at Shelby’s:Let’s look at Shelby’s:


Prominent Native American history centers Prominent Native American history centers on Chief Little Crow, Minnesota’s distinguished on Chief Little Crow, Minnesota’s distinguished Dakota leader. The actions he pursues within the Dakota leader. The actions he pursues within the role can be seen as unnecessary or crucial, but role can be seen as unnecessary or crucial, but indisputably notable. Illustrated in Curt Brown’s indisputably notable. Illustrated in Curt Brown’s Star Tribune articles, “A Man Lost in History,” Star Tribune articles, “A Man Lost in History,” Little Crow showcases the challenges that come Little Crow showcases the challenges that come with leading a struggling community. The with leading a struggling community. The aspects of his will, honor, and downfall reflect aspects of his will, honor, and downfall reflect the construction of Native American stereotypes, the construction of Native American stereotypes, and how perceptions of these stereotypes and how perceptions of these stereotypes require re-examination.require re-examination.


• What has Shelby accomplished?What has Shelby accomplished?• She identifies Little Crow as the She identifies Little Crow as the

subject of her analysis.subject of her analysis.• She cites the source of her information: She cites the source of her information:

Many of you neglected this. In revision, Many of you neglected this. In revision, refer to the packet this way:refer to the packet this way:

• A six-part series titled “A Man Lost in History,” A six-part series titled “A Man Lost in History,” written in 2012 by Minneapolis written in 2012 by Minneapolis Star Tribune Star Tribune writer Curt Brown.writer Curt Brown.

• Then your in-text citation should refer to the Then your in-text citation should refer to the specific article in the series.specific article in the series.


• She also establishes that the paper will look at the She also establishes that the paper will look at the ways that stereotypical notions both apply and do not ways that stereotypical notions both apply and do not apply to Little Crow:apply to Little Crow:

• For example, she notes that he was a determined For example, she notes that he was a determined figure who advocated for his people and fought for figure who advocated for his people and fought for them. She quotes from the packet, that “He remained them. She quotes from the packet, that “He remained unconvinced that war was the Dakota’s best option,” unconvinced that war was the Dakota’s best option,” and became frustrated with the violent nature many of and became frustrated with the violent nature many of his warriors assumed. his warriors assumed.

• She then writes: She then writes: However, as noted in the Brown However, as noted in the Brown article, “Little Crow believed there was honor in his article, “Little Crow believed there was honor in his soldiers fighting U.S. soldiers.”soldiers fighting U.S. soldiers.”

THE BODY OF THE THE BODY OF THE PAPERPAPER

• This allows her to make this definitive statement:This allows her to make this definitive statement:• Little Crow’s determination to assist his people Little Crow’s determination to assist his people

demonstrates how he defies the stereotypical demonstrates how he defies the stereotypical depiction of a Native “warrior.” He powerfully depiction of a Native “warrior.” He powerfully rallies with the Dakota in time of battle, but didn’t rallies with the Dakota in time of battle, but didn’t eagerly turn to violence to accomplish his goals.eagerly turn to violence to accomplish his goals.

• This is the framework for her (and your) paper. This is the framework for her (and your) paper. Choose three qualities Little Crow demonstrates; Choose three qualities Little Crow demonstrates; give context to these traits, quoting and citing the give context to these traits, quoting and citing the packet for background information.packet for background information.


• Establishing the other important source of Establishing the other important source of information: “Reel Injun.”information: “Reel Injun.”

•Cite it as the 2009 Neil Diamond film Cite it as the 2009 Neil Diamond film documentary, “Reel Injun,” which documentary, “Reel Injun,” which examines Hollywood’s depiction of Native examines Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans through a century of cinema.Americans through a century of cinema.

• That’s the reference point for the That’s the reference point for the stereotypes. Let’s look at how Shelby uses it.stereotypes. Let’s look at how Shelby uses it.


In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable qualities may be overlooked as a result of qualities may be overlooked as a result of his flaws. He was involved in gambling his flaws. He was involved in gambling and established relationships with many and established relationships with many women when he was younger. These women when he was younger. These characteristics guide Little Crow away characteristics guide Little Crow away from the notion of being a stereotypical from the notion of being a stereotypical “noble Injun,” as represented in “noble Injun,” as represented in Hollywood films such as “The Silent Hollywood films such as “The Silent Enemy.”Enemy.”


My advice to Shelby would be to insert the “Reel Injun” citation My advice to Shelby would be to insert the “Reel Injun” citation and then refer to the specific movie. So it would read like this:and then refer to the specific movie. So it would read like this:

In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable qualities may be overlooked In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable qualities may be overlooked as a result of his flaws. He was involved in gambling and established as a result of his flaws. He was involved in gambling and established relationships with many women when he was younger. These relationships with many women when he was younger. These characteristics guide Little Crow away from the notion of “noble Injun,” characteristics guide Little Crow away from the notion of “noble Injun,” one of the stereotypes explored in the documentary, “Reel Injun.” This one of the stereotypes explored in the documentary, “Reel Injun.” This 2009 Neil Diamond film examines Hollywood’s depiction of Native 2009 Neil Diamond film examines Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans through a century of cinema, including the “noble Injun” Americans through a century of cinema, including the “noble Injun” stereotype in the film “The Silent Enemy.”stereotype in the film “The Silent Enemy.”•For good measure, I might even do a quick Google search for a bit For good measure, I might even do a quick Google search for a bit more background on “The Silent Enemy.” The full paragraph would more background on “The Silent Enemy.” The full paragraph would then look like this:then look like this:


In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable qualities may be In contrast, Little Crow’s admirable qualities may be overlooked as a result of his flaws. He was involved in overlooked as a result of his flaws. He was involved in gambling and established relationships with many women gambling and established relationships with many women when he was younger. These characteristics guide Little when he was younger. These characteristics guide Little Crow away from the notion of “noble Injun,” one of the Crow away from the notion of “noble Injun,” one of the stereotypes explored in the documentary, “Reel Injun.” This stereotypes explored in the documentary, “Reel Injun.” This 2009 Neil Diamond film examines Hollywood’s depiction of 2009 Neil Diamond film examines Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans through a century of cinema, including Native Americans through a century of cinema, including the “noble Injun” stereotype fostered in the film “The Silent the “noble Injun” stereotype fostered in the film “The Silent Enemy.” The makers of the 1930 silent film are hailed by Enemy.” The makers of the 1930 silent film are hailed by film critic Benjamin Schrom for “their intention and film critic Benjamin Schrom for “their intention and commitment to honor the heritage of a noble and commitment to honor the heritage of a noble and disappearing people” (www.silentfilm.org).disappearing people” (www.silentfilm.org).

Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations• Place Little Crow in Minnesota; be sure to Place Little Crow in Minnesota; be sure to

mention he leads the Dakota tribe.mention he leads the Dakota tribe.• Avoid “absolute” statements that cannot be Avoid “absolute” statements that cannot be

supported by evidence: words like supported by evidence: words like “everybody,” “all,” “never” “always.”“everybody,” “all,” “never” “always.”

• ““All people have stereotypes of Native All people have stereotypes of Native Americans.”Americans.”

• ““He has been blamed for everyone’s He has been blamed for everyone’s problems.”problems.”

• Accuracy: The information has to be correct.Accuracy: The information has to be correct.• ““Little Crow starred in Hollywood films.”Little Crow starred in Hollywood films.”

Literary analysis: Literary analysis: Scarlett and EmilyScarlett and Emily

• Big pictureBig picture• The comparisons are pretty strong. One I The comparisons are pretty strong. One I

questioned is whether Scarlett is stuck in the past.questioned is whether Scarlett is stuck in the past.• Some clarifications are in order: for example, Emily Some clarifications are in order: for example, Emily

and Homer never do get married. and Homer never do get married. • Full development of points: explain the phrase Full development of points: explain the phrase

“spiritual mother of Atlanta.” This is a nickname “spiritual mother of Atlanta.” This is a nickname assigned to Scarlett by literary critics that means assigned to Scarlett by literary critics that means she demonstrates the traits that helped resurrect she demonstrates the traits that helped resurrect Atlanta after the war: resiliency, determination, Atlanta after the war: resiliency, determination, courage. But she had nothing to do with rebuilding courage. But she had nothing to do with rebuilding Atlanta itself, outside of running a business there.Atlanta itself, outside of running a business there.


• The biggest oversight resulted from not The biggest oversight resulted from not supporting the analysis with evidence supporting the analysis with evidence from the text.from the text.

• This means directly quoting the This means directly quoting the characters or the narrative; it can be as characters or the narrative; it can be as simple as using Faulkner’s words to simple as using Faulkner’s words to describe the condition of Emily’s home; describe the condition of Emily’s home; or perhaps quoting Gerald O’Hara as or perhaps quoting Gerald O’Hara as telling Scarlett, “Land is the only thing telling Scarlett, “Land is the only thing that lasts.”that lasts.”


• Here are two good examples from the papers:Here are two good examples from the papers:• Empowered by her dreams of impressing Ashley and Empowered by her dreams of impressing Ashley and

her vow to never again re-enter the clutches of her vow to never again re-enter the clutches of poverty, Scarlett transcends the social norms of the poverty, Scarlett transcends the social norms of the South and becomes a working woman. Earlier in the South and becomes a working woman. Earlier in the film, Scarlett declares, “With God as my witness, I will film, Scarlett declares, “With God as my witness, I will never go hungry again.”never go hungry again.”

• This is scene in the line, “Only Miss Emily’s house was This is scene in the line, “Only Miss Emily’s house was left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay above the left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay above the cotton wagons and the gasoline pumps – an eyesore cotton wagons and the gasoline pumps – an eyesore among eyesores.” This demonstrates that even Miss among eyesores.” This demonstrates that even Miss Emily’s home clings to the past, aging without a hint of Emily’s home clings to the past, aging without a hint of grace.grace.

Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations

• Be sure to include the names of the Be sure to include the names of the works and the authors in the works and the authors in the introduction: introduction: Margaret Mitchell’s Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the WindGone With the Wind; William ; William Faulkner’s “A Rose For Emily.”Faulkner’s “A Rose For Emily.”

• Establish the time period as the Civil Establish the time period as the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.War and Reconstruction eras.

• When referring to the region of the When referring to the region of the country, capitalize “South.”country, capitalize “South.”

Proofreading Proofreading

Ignoring careful proofreading produces glaring errors like Ignoring careful proofreading produces glaring errors like these, which just kill a paper’s effectiveness:these, which just kill a paper’s effectiveness:

• Emily is stuck in her past just as Emily is, although for Emily is stuck in her past just as Emily is, although for entirely different reasons.entirely different reasons.

• Scarlett takes up the responsibility of keeping up Tara and Scarlett takes up the responsibility of keeping up Tara and looking after the sick, such as John Wilkes, her true love. looking after the sick, such as John Wilkes, her true love.

• This is certainly the case in Margaret Faulkner’s “A Rose This is certainly the case in Margaret Faulkner’s “A Rose For Emily.”For Emily.”

• Scarlett also goes to desperate measures and controls the Scarlett also goes to desperate measures and controls the men around her through marrying both Charles Hamilton men around her through marrying both Charles Hamilton and Jack Kennedy.and Jack Kennedy.

• Scarlett O’Hara grows up in a solid, secure family in the Scarlett O’Hara grows up in a solid, secure family in the town of Tara.town of Tara.

• And my favorite from a past paper, from a writer with an And my favorite from a past paper, from a writer with an obsession with the “g” key:obsession with the “g” key:

• Scarlett O’Gara is the heroine in “Gong With The Wing.”Scarlett O’Gara is the heroine in “Gong With The Wing.”

Literary analysis: Overall Literary analysis: Overall

• General observations about writing General observations about writing structure:structure:

• Great command of third-person writing Great command of third-person writing voice: just a couple of exceptions here. voice: just a couple of exceptions here. This simply means removal of “I” “me” This simply means removal of “I” “me” “my” “our” “us” “we.”“my” “our” “us” “we.”

• Tense: a few people writing in past tense Tense: a few people writing in past tense but still very strong. Plus, it’s a quick fix: but still very strong. Plus, it’s a quick fix: simply a matter of converting verbs to simply a matter of converting verbs to present tense. present tense.

Literary analysis: Literary analysis: GrammarGrammar

• Quick grammar lesson: comma splicesQuick grammar lesson: comma splices• Two independent thoughts (or two complete Two independent thoughts (or two complete

sentences) within one sentence cannot be sentences) within one sentence cannot be separated by a comma alone.separated by a comma alone.

• Example: Emily ends up sick and alone, she Example: Emily ends up sick and alone, she never recovers from the death of her father.never recovers from the death of her father.

• We have two independent clauses:We have two independent clauses:• Emily ends up sick and alone.Emily ends up sick and alone.• She never recovers from the death of her She never recovers from the death of her

father.father.

Comma SplicesComma Splices• Fix the comma “splice” in three ways:Fix the comma “splice” in three ways:

• Simply replace the comma with a semi-colon.Simply replace the comma with a semi-colon.

• Emily ends up sick and aloneEmily ends up sick and alone; ; she never recovers from the death of she never recovers from the death of her father.her father.

• Keep the comma, but add a subordinating or coordinating Keep the comma, but add a subordinating or coordinating conjunction.conjunction.

• Emily ends up sick and alone, Emily ends up sick and alone, andand she never recovers from the she never recovers from the death of her father.death of her father.

• Replace the comma with a period, and form two sentences.Replace the comma with a period, and form two sentences.

• Emily ends up sick and alone. She never recovers from the death Emily ends up sick and alone. She never recovers from the death of her father.of her father.

MiscellaneousMiscellaneous

• Commas and periods always go inside quotation marks: “A Commas and periods always go inside quotation marks: “A Rose For EmilyRose For Emily,”,” by William Faulkner. by William Faulkner.

• Colons and semi-colons go outside of quotations marks.Colons and semi-colons go outside of quotations marks.• Entire paper is double-spaced, including title page info.Entire paper is double-spaced, including title page info.• Also, just to learn or remind ourselves how to do it, format Also, just to learn or remind ourselves how to do it, format

the title page in MLA style. the title page in MLA style.

Your last name 1Your last name 1

• Your first and last nameYour first and last name• American LiteratureAmerican Literature• Mr. JohnstonMr. Johnston• 19 December 201219 December 2012• TITLE IS CENTEREDTITLE IS CENTERED

Literary analysisLiterary analysis

• So, here is what happens with the grade.So, here is what happens with the grade.• If you revise following the suggestions If you revise following the suggestions

mentioned on your paper and making mentioned on your paper and making corrections, you can earn additional corrections, you can earn additional points. If you choose not to revise, the points. If you choose not to revise, the grade stands as marked.grade stands as marked.

• You must staple the revised copy to the You must staple the revised copy to the one I have marked up.one I have marked up.

• Revisions are due Wednesday, Dec. 19.Revisions are due Wednesday, Dec. 19.

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American Lit