English 1020
Theoretical-Critical Essay
Assignment Sheet

For this fourth paper, you will apply critical theory and outside research to a theoretical-critical
analysis of a literary text we have read this fall. Consider a text through one of the theoretical-
critical lenses discussed in NIL’s “Critical Approaches” section (A1-A26), and support your
argument with critical scholarship you find by using PSCC’s library resources and databases.
The literary text you analyze may be a short story, poem, or play (of your choosing) that we read
this fall, provided you have not already written an essay on it. After selecting your text, apply one
of the following theoretical-critical frameworks, from our readings/discussions, to your analysis:

 Marxist Criticism –How does the text highlight or problematize socioeconomic/class
inequality and struggle? (See NIL A16-A17)

 Feminist Criticism –How does the text highlight or problematize gender inequality and
struggle? (See NIL A17-A19)

 Gender Studies and Queer Theory –How does the text highlight or problematize inequalities in
LGBTQ+ matters? (See NIL A19-A20)

 African American and Ethnic Literary Studies –How does the text highlight or problematize
inequalities in race-, ethnicity-, or nationality-related matters? (See NIL A20-A22)

 Cultural Studies –How does the text problematize cultural trends? (See NIL A23-A24)