Review a Classic Work of Literature.

This book review is intended to be not only an overview of a work of literature, but a discussion on the elements of classic literature, and the history of the particular work you are reviewing.

Your review should include:

• A discussion of the key elements of classic literature, with an explanation of why your book is a classic
• A review of the book: characters, plot, conflict, theme, setting, language, style, etc.
• A discussion of the historical context of the work (requires research): When was it published? What were the author’s motivations (if discussed)? How was it representative of a particular time period? How was it received by the public? (Many of our classics were once banned, and many were initially ignored). Be sure to keep track of your sources.

Length: approx. 3 pgs, double spaced, 12 pt font (about 1,000 words)

Due date: paragraph 1 and research completed by Friday 2/20

Complete (typed) draft due: Friday 2/27

Final draft: TBA (before 3/13)

Here is a suggested outline for your essay, which may be modified depending on the writer’s needs. ( # = paragraph number)

1. Defining a classic

• Explain common understanding of a classic (use the article “A Classic - Defining the Term” at http://classiclit.about.com/od/forbeginners/a/aa_whatisclass.htm)
• Relate this to your own understanding of classic literature.
• THESIS: Make an argument for your book - why is it a classic? Be sure to cite specific reasons.

NOTE: The subjects of body paragraphs must, essentially, support your thesis. I am providing only a suggested overview only here. May need modifications.

2. Give readers an overview of the book: plot.

3. Give readers an overview of the characters (what is classic about them? Why do people continue to relate? What about the conflicts they struggle with? How are these timeless?)

4. Discuss the universal themes present in this work of literature - how is it memorable? What does this book show us about life, the human experience, and/or society?

5. A discussion of the historical context of the work (requires research): When was it published? What were the author’s motivations (if discussed)? How was it representative of a particular time period? How was it received by the public? (many of our classics were once banned, and many were initially ignored). Be sure to keep track of your sources.

6. Conclusion: A discussion of why the book lasts, and why people will continue to read and re-read it for many more generations.

Works Cited

You must include a works cited list with a minimum of 3 sources (including the article I am giving you). Your works cited list should be on a separate page, entitled “Works Cited”, and should properly document your source in MLA format. There are many print guides available to help you format your citation. Or, you may go to http://www.citationmachine.net, where you can input the information for each source, and a proper entry will be created for you, which you can cut and paste into your “Works Cited” list. Here is an example: It is the proper citation for one of the articles you will be using (the other two will be found by you):

Lombardi, Esther. "A Classic - Defining the Term." About.com. 2009. The New York

Times Company. 18 Feb 2009 <http://classiclit.about.com/od/forbeginners/a/aa_whatisclass.htm>.