Essay

For this required assignment, you will write a 1500-2000 word essay that analyzes how an author uses different elements of writing (plot, character, point of view, setting, symbols, tone and style) to convey a central theme or meaning in a piece of writing.  You will compose an essay that demonstrates your ability to apply literary terms, concepts, devices and characteristics in critiquing a story, body of poems, essay, or autobiography/narrative by an African-American writer. 

Topic

The poems and writings of realism and blackness by poets Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni.

Purpose: 
The primary purpose of this assignment is to present a persuasive argument on the writing(s) you chose to critique. In other words, your job is to persuade your audience to read or revisit your chosen subject. Therefore, your essay should present a clear thesis, i.e., a debatable claim about your topic supported by strong evidence. 
Audience: 
An intelligent person who does not like to read and/or is unfamiliar with the author and work(s) you have chosen to critique. This person may be a friend, family member, or someone you want to impress with YOUR intelligence.

Format: 
Use MLA-style paper format
Structural Guidelines: 
We will set aside time, as indicated in the course calendar, to discuss how you may organize and structure your essay using guidelines for writing a critical response. We will also review MLA documentation (in-text citations, integrating sources and the Works Cited page).
References: 
Your essay should include at least three (3) substantial, meaningful references to text you are writing about in Norton. 
Use MLA in-text parenthetical documentation whenever you quote or paraphrase from the text, and include a Works Cited page to document your references.