This assignment comprises some of the critical approaches you are studying in this class. Read the directions closely and revise your submission (one document containing your choice of ONE CRITICAL APPROACH as described below) before turning it in. The assignment is worth 30 points, and if completing the extra credit assignment (Deconstructionism), which is a bit more difficult to understand and use, then you have a chance to earn 10 extra points.
Make sure you turn in: 1-paragraph response to your chosen critical approach, showcasing your understanding of these literary theories and their application to Tolstoy’s novella about Ivan’s experience with life and death. (Note that if you choose the Mythological criticism, you should compose and turn in two paragraphs). Make sure you use appropriate subheadings, corresponding to the approach you are responding to).
Extra credit (10 points)—1-paragraph response applying the Deconstructionist approach to the interpretation of the novel.
NOTES ON PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE:
1) Your paragraph(s) needs to be structured and organized like an essay paragraph. In other words, they should contain a TS (topic sentence), a few quotes (follow the requirements for each paragraph individually as described below) and their analysis, and a CS (concluding statement). They should be long paragraph(s) of 7-10 sentences of your own contribution, not counting the quote sentences. 2) I expect the paragraph(s) to be well-thought out, including thorough analysis and interpretation of the text and highlighting some of the knowledge you acquired as a result of completing this Midterm Assignment. You should use proper MLA citations and format (only in-text citations), and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 3) The assignment will be assessed for: understanding the concepts behind each critical approach presented in each of the following videos; application of these concepts from the videos when interpreting the novella; following directions; paragraph structure and development; quote integration and analysis; grammar and mechanics; proper MLA format.
Requirements:
Paragraph Structure: Even though these paragraphs are separate responses, they still need to be structured and organized like essay paragraphs. In other words, they should each contain a TS (topic sentence), an ELAB (elaboration of the TS), a MP (main point), a few quotes (follow the requirements for paragraph structure as described below) and their analysis, and a CS (concluding statement). They should be long paragraphs, 7-10 sentences each. The assignment will be assessed for: understanding of the concepts behind each critical approach; application of these concepts in interpreting the novella; following directions; using paragraph structure and development as described above; quote integration and analysis; grammar and mechanics; MLA.
Task Directions:
You will need to complete ALL the tasks for the chosen approach before turning in your “proof” of completion in this assignment space. The chosen Critical Approach should be numbered and labeled as in the assignment described below (keep in mind that, if chosen, Mythological Criticism will need to include TWO paragraphs!)
Finished Product/Evaluation:
ONE paragraph minimum, using ONE critical approach chosen from the list below to interpret Leo Tolstoy’s novella, “The Death of Ivan Ilych” (two paragraphs needed for the Mythological Criticism, if chosen).
The paragraph should include original critical analysis of the novella from the perspective described in the video and articles provided below (each source included should be quoted at least once and cited in proper MLA format).
The paragraph should be 7-10 sentences long (counting only the original analysis) and use 3-4 quotes(from the novella) or more, as described in the questions included in the critical approach of choice.
Critical approaches to choose from (only choose one):
1. Marxism as Sociological Criticism-
ASSIGNMENT for this approach:
Write a long paragraph (7-10 sentences) using what you have learned about Marxist theory by applying it to the study of the contrasting relationships between Ivan and Gerasim vs Praskovya and Gerasim and answering the following prompts (in the same paragraph):
How do these two characters, representing two different classes (master and servant), interact? Do you notice a conflict or class struggle between them? If not, why not?
What values does the novella reinforce? What values does it subvert? What social class does Tolstoy belong to? Which class does the novella claim to represent? How can you tell? Be specific in your explanations and use textual evidence from the novella to support your answer (3-4 quotes).
2. Gender Criticism (Feminism)-
ASSIGNMENT:
Write a long paragraph (7-10 sentences) presenting your view of the male vs female roles in The Death of Ivan Ilych. How are they described and what separates them and/or antagonizes them? How are their roles described? To what do you attribute this portrayal of the only two feminine characters, Praskovya and Lizanka? Is the narrator’s view trustworthy? How do we know? Who is the narrator and how can you tell? Whose interests is he protecting and why? How can you tell? Use 2-4 quotes from the novella to support your claims.
3. Psychoanalytical criticism (Sigmund Freud)-
ASSIGNMENT:
Now write a paragraph to show you understand how to apply this theory in analyzing Tolstoy’s novella:
Examine what motivates Ivan and his wife Praskovya in their personal and married life and draw conclusions as to how those motivations impact their relationships with each other and with other characters such as their children or the peasant, Gerasim. Bring 2-3 quotes to support your response (7-10 longer sentences). Comment on their personalities and reasons for their reactions to one another. How have their backgrounds influenced their behavior and actions? What fears do they have and why? What helps them mature and develop, if at all?
4. Mythological and Religious Criticism (Carl Gustav Jung)-
ASSIGNMENT:
Respond to the following question (1 long paragraph, 7-10 sentences):
What is the purpose of Ivan’s life reflected through this quote from Jung? How is his life a process by which he builds more consciousness and follows his destiny? Explain your answer in detail and use textual evidence for support.
AND respond to this prompt (1 long paragraph, 7-10 sentences):
What symbols from the novella function as mythological archetypes that can be considered universal? What is their meaning? Explain 4-5 examples from the novella.
5. Reader-Response Theory-
ASSIGNMENT:
Use the following two questions to write one long paragraph (7-10 sentences) in which you discuss your reactions and personal connections to the novella and apply what you learned about the Reader-Response theory.
How did your personal experience enrich your own reading of the text? What lessons have you gleaned from the story? What is your “blueprint” for life after this reading experience?
Did Ivan’s story meet your expectations in terms of plot or character development? Explain by bringing up specific textual evidence (quotes using proper MLA citations).
Optional Learning Opportunity – Additional Lecture and Readings (extra credit 10 points):
If you decide to take this opportunity, then simply add this paragraph to the other ones you have written in response to the previous critical approaches (literary theories). This particular approach is a bit more challenging, so for those who like one, here it is. 6. Deconstructionism-
ASSIGNMENT:
Now write a long paragraph (7-10 sentences) describing what you learned about Deconstructionist theory and how it can be applied to the novella in a study of the language used by Tolstoy to create Ivan’s story and its meaning to us as readers. Choose a brief scene, dialogue, description, quote, and deconstruct it by using this theory. What kind of questions would you ask to make the text fall apart and hold no more meaning? Write them out and go through the process and see where it takes you.