paper assignment

Part 1- Write an epilogue or sequel to one of the fictional or poetic works we have read this semester (2-4 pages). Your epilogue or sequel must imitate the style and diction of the original work and must maintain the original’s historical setting.

Part 2-Pretend you are a literary critic (like those assigned in response to “The Things They Carried”), and write an analysis of your sequel in third person; refer to your own name as the author of the epilogue or sequel. Your 3-4 page analysis must follow the format of the traditional literary analysis. You must have a thesis concerning how the epilogue or sequel offers a brilliant interpretation of the original literary text, or some specific aspect of it. The paragraphs of your analysis must contain ICE paragraphs: introductions, citations (quotes from your creative writing and, if you wish, from the source text), and explanations. Your analysis must present a convincing argument about both the original work (implicitly) and your epilogue or sequel.

You may want to try to write a compelling, really quality sequel that lives up to the reputation of the original story. OR, you may write a deliberately bad sequel, and have your critic take you to task and point out why you have failed so miserably. You may also elect to do something in between—a good try that reveals some understanding of the original text, but somehow falls short. When drafting and planning, you will probably find yourself switching back and forth between the two parts to make them “fit” the way you want to.