Learning Goals: Analyze the structure and theses of literary criticism Evaluate the theses of literary criticism, using

evidence from the novel and history Analyze and Evaluate the structures, motifs, satirical strategies, symbols and themes of a novel Synthesize the characteristics of Realism and Reconstruction patterns and issues to determine how Realism and Regionalism were responding to the Reconstruction Era This essay is going to work differently than the last ones about the Scarlet Letter and Uncle Toms Cabin. In those essays, you specifically took apart the novel, the book, to see its inner workings. In this essay, youll still be doing that, but also taking another step. Thesis: Now, youll be responding to the piece of literary criticism you read, saying if you agree or disagree with the literary critics thesis or claim. Your thesis will detail why you agree or disagree. Example: Despite Palmers belief that the Mississippi River in Huckleberry Finn is merely a mode of transportation for Huck and Jim, the River plays a much larger function than that in the novel; it is the central symbol, showing the difference between corrupt civilization on land and the freedom and harmony of individuality and nature away from people. Evidence: You can take evidence from the novel itself, from the piece of literary criticism, and from primary documents in history. You can find links to many Mark Twain papers and other Reconstruction documents on the AF American Experience website. You are expected to have 15-18 pieces of evidence for this essay. Analysis: You are both analyzing the literary critics claim/thesis and support and analyzing the novel. Each comment section of your essay will refer to both things, discussing how they work together. MLA formatting: You cite your evidence with MLA in-text formatting (Twain 314) or (Palmer 2), with the author and page number in parentheses after the evidence.