Critical Analysis ( Use the short story “A Rose for Emily”)
The purpose for writing a critique is to evaluate somebody’s work (a book, an essay, a movie, a painting…) in order to increase the reader’s understanding of it. A critical analysis is subjective writing because it expresses the writer’s opinion or evaluation of a text. Analysis means to break down and study the parts. Writing a critical paper requires two steps: critical reading and critical writing. The goal is two-fold: one, identify and explain the argument that the author is making, and two, provide your own argument about that argument. One of the key directions of these assignments is often to avoid/minimize summary – you are not writing a book report, but evaluating the author’s argument.
I. Introduction
a. Identify the work being criticized
b. Present thesis – argument about the work
c. Preview your argument – what are the steps you will take to prove your argument
II. Short summary of the work
a. Does not need to be comprehensive – present only what the reader needs to know to understand your argument
III. Your argument
a. Your argument will likely involve a number of sub-arguments –mini-theses you prove to prove your larger argument true. This should be the bulk of the paper – I want your argument about the work, not a summary.
IV. Support your position using outside support/criticismIV. Conclusion
a. Reflect on how you have proven your argument.
b. Point out the importance of your argument
General Criteria for Evaluating Critical Writing/Essays:
1. Strength and clarity of thesis/focus/introduction
2. Intellectual/conceptual strength and persuasiveness of main claim and ensuing argument/logic/premises/critical method/theory/ideas;
3. Cohesive and coherent development, logical organization, including well-structured paragraphs with clear points and compelling, specific support/evidence
4. Analysis of text’s/topic’s relevant cultural/historical contexts and if specified, related scholarship/criticism; Text’s rhetorical methods, structure
5. Topic’s depth/complexity, including recognition of conflicts/contradictions
6. Significance/ conclusion
7. Effective sentences, syntax, verbs, diction, punctuation, complexity, and suitable style: academic, critical, appropriate to your understanding of the materials/subjects
