ASSIGNMENT
Write a 1150-to-1350-word essay on Dracula.
Question:
- VAN HELSING/AUTHORITY: Professor Van Helsing, that “foreign gentleman” (147), is a character that seems to inhabit opposites: he is at once guarded and effusive, “foreign” and integrated, learned and superstitious, etc. Perhaps his character is no where more contradictory or inconsistent than his mixed response to Lucy’s transformation into a vampire, when he undergoes a “regular fit of hysterics … laugh[ing] till he cried” (187). In Dracula, is Van Helsing a figure of authority, or does he disrupt the existing model(s) of authority? To answer this question, you might (but you do not have to) consider how Van Helsing serves as a counter to Count Dracula, or how he relates to the other men in the text, or how he responds to a previous authority figure we have read about—or you might develop this topic however you like
How do you write this thing?
- Provide an interesting and informative academic title.
- Your introduction should provide a) an introduction to your topic, b) a sense of where your essay is going (a road map of some major points or stops along the way), and c) your thesis/argument. Remember that your thesis is your topic + your argument + why it matters, and that your thesis does not need to be in one sentence only. If you like, feel free to put your thesis in bold, though you do not need to do so.
- A sequence of paragraphs with clear topic sentences and transitions that develop your thesis. Remember to provide a bit of context, some evidence (quotations from the text), and careful and sustained analysis. As with all the work we have done in class thus far, you should analyze the quotations that you choose to include, so that the reader understands how they further your larger argument or thesis. A gentle reminder: generally, a full body paragraph is between 6-9 sentences long and fully addresses one main idea.
- Your concluding paragraph should express the importance of your topic and reiterate the argument you’ve been developing. This is the last paragraph your reader will read, so make it as strong as you can.
- Secondary sources are absolutely, 100% NOT necessary to fully succeed in this assignment. However, if you choose to use them, quotations and paraphrase should be carefully integrated into your own writing, and should be cited and formatted according to MLA style.
Evaluation: Your essays will be evaluated according to the following criteria.
Argument -clarity and strength of thesis -essay adequately addresses / answers question -thesis is arguable and considered (not overtly judgmental) -support and analysis is consistent w/ thesis
Organization and -introduction provides necessary information Paragraphing -paragraphs have a clear structure and logic -cohesion and unity: each paragraph treats one idea fully -development: mix of examples / quotation and analysis -body paragraphs include analysis that furthers thesis -conclusion exists and provides closure
Writing and Style -grammar / spelling / syntax / punctuation are correct -quotations are integrated into the author’s writing -diction is appropriate -essay is of adequate length, is properly formatted, etc. -sentence flow is smooth and varied -citations (for paraphrase and quotations) are correct
