Consider the depictions of “impossible (or forbidden) relationships” in these narratives. Who is out of reach for the characters and why? How do the authors or the narrators explain the prohibitions? What is at stake, then, when someone insists on establishing such relationship? Do we learn anything about the historical and cultural context of these works?

This analytical assignment requires you to perform close readings and consider very specific elements in several narratives studied. Here, in particular, you should consider all the texts in one of the lists.

List 1 (Metamorphosis)	List 2 (Disguise)
Ovid’s story of Iphis (in Metamorphoses)	Somadeva’s “Red Lotus of Chastity” (in Kathasaristagara)
Somadeva’s “Story of the Globule” (in Kathasaristagara)	Aucassin and Nicolette
Marie’s “Bisclavret”	Ariosto’s Canto 25 from Orlando FuriosoOR Boccaccio’s story of Saladin and Torello (in Decameron)

You should not use other sources; the work you have to do is not elsewhere. Only the Oxford English Dictionary (OED, not the Oxford Dictionary of English) might be necessary in case you need to define a particularly complex term.

Topics for this assignment

Please, choose one of the following topics. I am presenting you with a series of questions that might help you further consider these topics:

Consider the depictions of “impossible (or forbidden) relationships” in these narratives. Who is out of reach for the characters and why? How do the authors or the narrators explain the prohibitions? What is at stake, then, when someone insists on establishing such relationship? Do we learn anything about the historical and cultural context of these works?

OR

Consider the different importance that clothing and physical appearance have in each of the texts. Why are these elements so relevant for these cultures? What is brought to the fore when someone modifies the way they look (wearing certain style of clothes, using some form of cosmetic, or employing magic/divine intervention to change)?

OR

Consider magic and religion in the texts. Are there similarities between one and the other? Who practices each and why does that matter? How can we tell which of these elements is accepted in the culture producing these narractives? Do magic and religion have similar results for the characters in these stories?

Thinking process and research requirements

1. Consider the texts once again, looking for the details you want to focus on.
2. Read carefullyHow to Do a Close Reading to understand the process you will engage with.
3. Read your notes (from class and in Perusall) about these texts, considering the topic you want to address.
4. Skim the narratives you are comparing to make sure you have the most important quotesin relation to your topic.
5. BEFORE YOU START WRITING,CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ASSIGNMENT.

Writing process

1. Write an introductory paragraph. It should include:
   1. Which texts you are examining (complete name of the author, if known, and full title of the story and the work where it is included),
   2. What you are looking at (your topic), and
   3. How your approach permits the reader to understand something specific about these narratives (this is your thesis).
   4. Make astrong thesis that is a claim (rather than a statement of fact or personal opinion), specific rather than too broad, and contestable (would not cause your reader, who know the texts you are discussing, agree with you right away)—your thesis is something that your audience does not already know so it should not be something obvious.
2. Following the introduction, you will elaborate on your argumentation process using quotes to exemplify aspects of your claim.
   1. Your paragraphs need to be well organized, containing topic sentence, evidence, and concluding sentence. Also, remember that you need clear signposting and adequate transitions. See How to Write Good Paragraphsfor guidance.
   2. Make sure that you use plenty of textual evidenceand analyze it to support your claims. Remember, you need to INTRODUCE your quote, CITE it, and EXPLAIN how that information supports your argumentation process.
   3. Use at least THREE (3) direct quotes from eachof your sources.
   4. The quotes should be short and specifically address the claims you are making. Use ellipses (…) if you need to shorten a quote or remove unnecessary elements from a quote.
   5. Cite your sources properly, using MLA parenthetical documentation practices. You can find information about citing texts here: Formatting Quotations, How To Integrate Quotations, and In-text Citations.
3. Make sure to have a solid conclusion at the end of the essay. This is the place where you posit your “take away” ideas, reinforcing the thesis statement.
4. Give your textual analysis a title. A good title serves as a brief summary of your thesisand provides some indication of the work’s content. Center your title on the first page above the beginning of your introductory paragraph.
5. Provide a Works Cited list, according to MLA citation practices. See MLA: Works Cited List Entriesand MLA: Optional Elements for Works Cited for details.
6. Proofread your paper carefully for spelling, typographical and grammatical errors. A paper that is not carefully proofread is not acceptable and sloppiness may have a negative impact on your grade.

 

 

 

APA

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE ON THIS ASSIGNMENT

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