Cranston High School West Library: Lucas - Grendel, Frankenstein, Beowulf

Assignment:  While reading the novels Grendel and Frankenstein, and the epic poem, “Beowulf”, several concepts have come up: Good vs.Evil, Perception vs. Identity, and Nature vs. Nurture. Now it is time write your own research analysis, in which you will answer the essential question:  

Authors throughout the ages have questioned what creates individual identity.  Some theorize that identity is innate, others that society creates our identity.  Exploring the significant characters in Grendel/Frankenstein, consider the factors that contribute to their identity.  How does this portrayal help create a person as evil?

1. How does Gardner/Shelley portray the role of fate in the lives of characters?  How much are they in control of their own destiny? How does this contribute to their identity?
2. To what degree are the characters portrayed as innately good or innately evil?  How does this contribute to their identity?
3. What role do reading and education play in the formation of character/identity?  (Nature vs. Nurture) How are they educated? What are the ramifications of self education vs. formal schooling or parenting?  How does this relate to the idea of character/identity?
4. What role does society play in the formation of identity?  What about isolation? Loneliness?
5. How does a character’s appearance affect their identity?

Thesis and Topics

Remember a good research paper:

• Argues that your perspective-an interpretation, and evaluative judgment, or a critical evaluation is a valid one.
• Has a debatable thesis
• By presenting facts and opinions from both primary and secondary resources in the paper, the reader should gain a new point of view or see information in a new light.

I. Step one: Synthesis of Thesis and Topics

Clearly type the following:

• The first draft of the paper’s introduction
• Your reworked thesis statement, underlined
• Each of your supporting ideas

These may be listed in bullet form. The more specific you are the easier it will be to write your paper.

 

II. Step two: Analysis of a Primary Source  (Grendel/Frankenstein/”Beowulf”)

A. Primary Source

Choose five quotations from the text that display some aspect or point related to your thesis.  These can be descriptions; events and/or changes displayed or commented on by the narrator, other characters, etc.

Number five quotations on a typed separate piece of paper with your introduction and thesis underlined along with an explanation of what the quotation means and its relevance to the topic.  It is important to explain what the quote means and how it will be used in relation to your topic and support of thesis, as well as how it supports your ideas.

**Important:  Be sure to make a copy for yourself so that you can continue to work on the writing of your paper.

 

III. Step three: Analysis of a Secondary Source

On days scheduled for library research or from home, look for books journals, magazines, Internet sources etc. From these sources, find the reliable sources that you feel comfortable reading and do not have trouble understanding.

Please use Easy Bib as a resource for creating your Works Cited page.

* Minimum number of sources to be used for research: 5 different sources

In addition to:

3 Different book and database sources (Book sources may include: reference material, on line journals or critical analysis).

For each source, you may also choose one quote/textual support that display some aspect or points related to your topic.

Number five quotations on a typed separate piece of paper with your introduction and thesis underlined along with an explanation of the relevance to the topic.  You must include the bibliographical information, in other words, where did you get the information from.  Be specific writing the information down and in MLA format. This step will help for your works cited page.

Again, it is important to explain what the quote means and how it will be used in relation to your topic and thesis, as well as how it supports your ideas.

**Important:  Be sure to make a copy for yourself so that you can continue to work on the writing of your paper.

 

IV. Step four

Create an outline from all the resources as a way to help organize your paper.

V. Step Five: Draft copy of research paper

In class peer edit session.

VI. Step Six Writing your research paper:

MLA Format followed, Works Cited Page

Rubric- must be handed in with research paper.

Ten Points will be deducted for each day the paper is late.  If you ARE absent on the due date, your paper will be considered late.  There are no exceptions!

Paper counts as  the QA for quarter 2.  

 

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Off campus? Email sevje@cpsed.net for password.

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