My definition of a Great American Novel, and then applying it to the book, The Nickle
– Develop an engaging introduction that sets some context for your essay, clearly identifies and explains some specific aspects of the novel you read, identifies your key criteria for a Great American Novel, and states some larger thesis as to your view of your novel and whether it is or could be a Great American Novel or not, or partially, etc.
– Establish relevant, varied criteria for your definition of a Great American Novel (as stated in your introduction) that set reasonably challenging standards for greatness (and Americanness) and incorporate at least some literary elements/techniques.
-Apply knowledge of literature to the discussion and analysis while using correct terminology and register appropriate to task and purpose (i.e.: correctly naming key literary elements, aspects of the author’s style and technique, significance of certain details, effects of word choice/language, etc.)
-Make relevant, persuasive claims about the novel and the novel in light of larger questions about the Great American Novel and develop meaningful, insightful conclusions from the text.
-Discuss and analyze key details/examples from the novel with precise specifics, moving beyond basic identification of literary elements and broad, general summarizing of plot, characters, themes.
-Cite/quote some relevant passages to support your discussion and analysis and use parenthetical documentation (MLA format) identifying the appropriate page number(s) in the novel.
-Closely analyze/interpret some words and phrases in the cited passages to discuss the significances and effects of words and phrases and details in relation to your analysis and your larger view of the novel.
-Demonstrate understanding of meaning(s), central ideas, or themes, and their development in the novel.
You have to use the novel, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, when writing this essay.
