The Done Dead  Literary Analysis Topics   Choose one topic from this list and write a

The Done Dead  Literary Analysis Topics
   Choose one topic from this list and write a literary analysis essay of 3—5 pages.  You must use at least three direct quotes (however, the essay should be composed of LESS THAN 10% direct quotes) in the essay itself, and you should refer to the text with specific examples and references throughout the essay (end of sentence citation with page number).  Your essay must have an introduction that contains a thesis statement, an essay map.  Your introduction must also refer to the author and the title of the book.  The focus of this essay is a comparison between subjects related to the short stories.  You need to focus on at least three comparisons or contrasts.  
  You need a minimum of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.   Remember that this is not a plot summary or a book report.  You are focusing on specific aspects of the stories and exploring those particular ideas.  DO NOT WRITE THIS LIKE A BOOK REPORT!!!!  Your job is not to re-tell the story or to share your feelings about the book itself.  You do not need to critique the book in this paper (so sentences like “This was a very interesting story” do not need to be included and will negatively impact your grade).  Essays not written on one of the following topics will not be graded.  At the top of your page with your heading list the number of the question you are answering. Do NOT use outside sources, only the novel as your source.  Additionally, you must give credit for quotes, paraphrases, or ideas that come from the novel by using quote marks and end of sentence citations.
Value:  100 points
 
Other Guidelines:
1. No first or second person point-of-view (I, you, we, us, our, your, etc.)  If you refer to the reader, say “the reader.”  
2. Double space, 12 point font, Times New Roman, one inch margins all sides, left justified, page number and last name, and title are all required.
3. Give it a title.
4. Choose either the block or point by point organizational format for this essay.  
5. Clear and interesting topic sentences, concluding sentences, transitions throughout.
6. Use proper quotation format.  Integrate quotes smoothly into your writing, and cite all quotes with the page number from the book.  Remember if you use dialog or a long block quote, you MUST follow those guidelines! See the MLA guide on the library website.
7. This essay should be a MINIMUM of 800 words (around three full pages).
8. Compare or contrast at least three points from the novel. Either compare by showing what is alike, OR contrast by showing what is different, but do not do both.
 
Topics (You MUST choose one of these):
1. Compare OR contrast how Billie and her Uncle Dee deal with the past.
2. Compare the challenges of Pria and Cliff’s meeting with how interracial couples are accepted or not accepted today (this will be from your own knowledge and the novel, and not outside sources).
3. Compare or contrast Dr. Melvin Hurley’s experience with Cliff’s experience with racism.
4. Compare OR contrast Jim McGhee and his son Harlen.
5. Compare OR contrast Lola with Billie.
6. Compare OR contrast the three male police officers involved with Cliff’s death scene. Comparisons must be based on criteria/similarities that are not “surface” characteristics.
7. Choose one theme shared by each of Billie’s family members and show how each of their stories communicates that common theme. You will compare them.
8. Comment on the role of female characters in the book.  Choose three female characters and contrast the negative ways in which they deal with the past.
9. Compare OR contrast Pria (Billie’s mom) to her grandmother, Cliff’s mother. How did their worlds differ or how were they alike?
10. Compare or contrast Carlotta and Cliff. What are three ways they were alike or different?