Character Analysis writing

Literary essays often focus around themes or characters that are developed throughout a poem, story or novel.

Write a multi-paragraph composition where you compare your character traits with those of one of the main characters in the novel.  My expectation will be that you include at least 3 quotes in your composition and that you remember to PEE (Provide point, Explanation, Example) or provide a SEXI argument (State point, Explain it, Illustrate with an example).  Another pneumonic for literary writing is to use the MELELEC method  - watch this video tutorial for a specific example.

It doesn't matter which mnemonic device you use to help you remember how to support your literary writing as long as you use it.

Some examples of literary essays include:

Literary Essay Example 1

Literary Example 2 - longer but some of you might find it more useful

Reminder on How to integrate quotations in your writing:

Topics - choose 1
You will complete all these steps of the writing process : brainstorm, outline, double spaced draft

How can an overly legalistic society also become a hypocritical one?

How can an overly legalistic society also become a hypocritical one?

1.  How can an overly legalistic society also become a hypocritical one?  Explain with examples from the Chrysalids.

2.  In the Chrysalids, the people strive to create a Utopian society but in many ways the society is actually a Dystopian one.  Explain.

3.  With which character are you most alike in the novel The Chrysalids?  See the description and video above to help you with this topic.

4.  The word “chrysalid” means a state into which the larvae of most insects pass before becoming perfect insects. The chrysalid takes in no food and is inactive. In general,the word can mean a sheltered state of growth. IF we use this definition as a description of life in Waknuk, what are the people sheltering themselves from? What is the “perfect state” they are trying to achieve? Does the title of the novel apply to the eight characters who can communicate in thought-shapes? Explain.

5. Are the residents of Waknuk getting closer or further away from perfection? There is evidence for both sides, so be sure to include it in your essay.

6. Despite their fear and the horrors around them, David and his group manage to display many of the humane and natural qualities so obviously lacking in Waknuk: love, loyalty, courage, and individual responsibility. Illustrate, with reference to David, Rosalind and Michael, the qualities of character they display.

7. 1) The Chrysalids shows the dangers of people believing that they belong to a superior race or group.  Discuss this idea making reference to both the societies of Waknuk and the Sealand.

8. 7) In the film X-Men, Magneto says of the mutation law "Let them pass that law and they'll have you in chains with a number burned into your forehead." Discuss the reality of this in Waknuk in comparison to what is happening in the film.