Write a 3-4pp. essay answering one of the following questions, using close readi
Write a 3-4pp. essay answering one of the following questions, using close reading of Imitation by Adichie.
Essay Questions to keep in mind:
How does the language (or form) of this text shape the content or themes that the text is trying to convey? What does this then say about the nature of language as an artistic medium?
There are many ways to study colonization and its aftereffects, but how does looking through the lens of language teach us new or unique insights about this form of domination, and how we might escape it?
How does moving between languages both mimic and expose the inner workings of diaspora or migration? How does identity (personal, ethnic, or familial) change in these movements?
How does linguistic identity match up with or complicate national identity? How might it show us new things about the concept of nationalism and how it works to create an ethnic identity?
Guidelines:
Select just ONE author from the options above. This paper is not meant to be comparative, but rather should focus on close-reading and building a sustained argument from the work of one author.
Your essay must have an argument. Please note: an argument should NOT sound like, “Language is a very important part of how The God of Small Things makes its point,” or “Orlando White’s “Ats’iits’in” shows us the mastery of how a poet can use language.” Such arguments are overly general and simplistic, and fail to offer insights specific to the text you’re analyzing.
Rather, a good argument could sound like, “In Castillo’s “Prologue”, language becomes a vehicle for expressing simultaneous self-defense and self-doubt, showing that language fundamentally deconstructs a stable notion of the self.”
OR
“Louise Bennet’s “Colonization in Reverse” demonstrates that one of the effects of colonization is that travel becomes a requisite to solidify one’s identity, whether in a positive or negative way.”
Your essay should conclude by addressing the significance of the argument you’ve made – in particular, think about how fully you’ve addressed the question or prompt you are trying to answer. NOTE: if your argument has no larger significance, this is a good sign that you should abandon that argument, or come talk to me in OH for help.
Your essay must use a standard 12-point font (such as Times New Roman), 1-inch margins, double spacing, a title, and page numbers. You should follow all quote citation guidelines that appear hereLinks to an external site., following MLA guidelines. Each paper must be uploaded in Word (.doc or .docx) format to Courseworks under the “Assignments” tab no later than the required due date and time. The filename should read as follows: “XXXX—CLOSE READING PAPER.”