Take-Home Essay 2
Available: Wednesday April 6
Due: Friday April 15th - Beginning of Class

 
  1. Main Tool Box Concept: Ideology
  2. Minor Concepts: mystifying, false consciousness, ideology critique
  3. Literary Work: House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende 


"Ideology leads you to accept each day as a natural fact: Things are the way they are; case closed" (Theory Toolbox, 90).  

Assignment

Esteban Trueba's actions and speeches as some of the most obviously ideological in the novel. At the very least, he is ideological in the sense of the quotation above - his worldview is established, case closed.

Write an essay in which you discuss Esteban's ideology by exploring his system of beliefs and atleast two instances where it meets resistance or is called into question (e.g. by other characters, or by the consequences of his actions). Does Allende hold out for a reform of "false consciousness"? Does she think it's possible to demystify or critique, and thus alter "the way things are"? Would few or most of her characters answer this question in the same way? Will change take place as individuals' beliefs are challenged or only when one system crushes another?  

 
 

Advice:  Aim to use ideology as the main concept, one or more minor concepts, and passages from at least two distant chapters in the novel.  Start work early, giving yourself time to plan, draft, and revise.  Take advantage of my office hours (I'll gladly discuss concepts or answer specific questions, though I won't be able to read and "fix" a whole draft).  Consider using the Writing Center (Eicher Hall) as a resource if you have any questions about your ability to organize and edit.  Please also reflect on my comments to your first essay for any relevant advice. 

 
Grading: The syllabus indicates that you should aim for an "organized, edited and succinct (300-500 words) essay[...];" it should "demonstrate your ability to independently apply critical concepts from the class to select readings;" and it should "give you the chance to synthesize toolbox concepts, class discussion, and independent responses to literary texts."

You might keep these in mind as you write and revise; I will have them in mind when I grade.

Content (1-10):

  • shows modest or excellent grasp of chosen concept(s);
  • shows familiarity with literary text (s)
  • can employ the concept in discussing particular details from a literary text;
  • ideally exhibits both familiarity with class discussion and individual insight

Organization (1-10):

  • well organized, with a clear thesis
  • and use of paragraphs to develop and deepen ideas;
  • integrates quotations or references to multiple texts, especially through use of transitions

Mechanics (1-10): 

  • varied and effective use of sentence forms; minimal comma splices, run-ons, etc.
  • punctuation, spelling, and word choice do not detract from clarity
  • evidence of care and proofreading in preparing the document
  • secondary material properly incorporated and attributed; quotation marks  or block formatting used to distinguish verbatim material; summary or paraphrased materials also attributed ( MLA Parenthetical format; a separate Works Cited page is not required if using only assigned course texts)
  • Appropriate (MLA) format: assigned length; legible 12-pt font; 1-inch margins; double-spacing; first page, top left: Name / Take Home Essay 1 / Course and Time/ Date; original and meaningful title, centered, with initial capitals and no other formatting

Courses | Sherwood |IUP English | IUP
Last Updated: 09 December, 2008