ESSAY 3: ASSIGNMENT SHEET

You will learn to analyze a text from the perspective of two combined theoretical frameworks. The
assignment will help you to practice critical examination of a text through one of the theoretical
frameworks we have covered in class so far. Proof is required from the text. You will also learn to
incorporate scholarly research into your analysis in order to develop a strong critical argument.
Aisignment:

O Analyse Dracula from the perspective of two separate critical theories, learning to combine
them in order to strengthen your analysis.

0 In addition to the primary text, use at least 5 secondary sources to support your argument.

0 Provide an arguable thesis statement that clearly demonstrates the structure of your essay.

0 Use strong supporting examples from the text.

0 Since everyone interprets a text differently, your goal is to give your readers your own unique
interpretation of the text, using both the primary text and secondary sources to support your
claim. This means that the essay must be based on your original idea. Less than 25% of your
essay should be matched in the TumItIn originality report.

0 Cite your sources properly, using MLA format for both in-text citations and a Works Cited
page.

0 Essay should be double-spaced, typed in Times New Roman 12-point font, with l-inch
margins. You must include your name and the page number in the header of each page.

Themes:

1. Culture: Watch anmecula adaptation (films, TV series, musimD and compare the differences between the
primary text and the adaptation, focusing on the signifimme of those differences or similarities between the original
story and its contemporary representations. Songs do not count for this assignment.

summon: (up to 5points}

2. History: Where did Stoker get the idea for Dracula? Explore the origins of the vampire and Count Dracula.

Consider connections to historical figures, myths & legends, representations of vampires in other cultures, etc.

summon: (up to 5points}

3. Anthropology: The novelis set inTransylvania. What does this choice have to do withthe Victorian Gothic

obsession with power and race? Consider the Ottoman Empire, geography and cultures of the times

(Hmlgary/I‘urkey/gypsies), werewolves, class distinctions, degeneration, blood libel, etc.

summon: (up to 5points}

4. Feminism/GemIer/Smtality: The mouth andthe colors red andwhite were Victorian symbols of female

sexuality. Consider how the novel presents female powerflams), gender role confusion, and/ or sexual freedom (or

lack thereof). Look closely at descriptions of the lips and teeth of the vampire, nymphomania, hysteria, homoeroticism,
and penetrations (metaphorical or physieaD. Wmax

(up to spointS)

5. Psychology: Hypnotism, mesmerism, and wfllpower play a huge part in Count Dracula’s powers. Renfield is

also being studied inthe hmatic asylum, labeled a zoophagous patient. Consider how an attack on the mind fits into the

way we have studied Victorian Gothic psychology and the supernatural.
summon: (up to 5points}

6. Formalism: The entire novelis writteninepistolaryform, using journal entries, letter correspondeme,

newspaper clippings, scientific records, and more. Consider the effect of this format in telling the story, focusing on

suspense, descriptors, reliability of the narrator, etc. You might also consider the idea of duplimtion, with HOW things

are being recorded (i.e. shorthand, longhand, typewriter, journalism, etc). m

maul max ( up to 5point8)

J-

ESSAY 3: ASSIGNMENT SHEET

You will learn to analyze a text from the perspective of two combined theoretical frameworks. The
assignment will help you to practice critical examination of a text through one of the theoretical
frameworks we have covered in class so far. Proof is required from the text. You will also learn to
incorporate scholarly research into your analysis in order to develop a strong critical argument.
Aisignment:

O Analyse Dracula from the perspective of two separate critical theories, learning to combine
them in order to strengthen your analysis.

0 In addition to the primary text, use at least 5 secondary sources to support your argument.

0 Provide an arguable thesis statement that clearly demonstrates the structure of your essay.

0 Use strong supporting examples from the text.

0 Since everyone interprets a text differently, your goal is to give your readers your own unique
interpretation of the text, using both the primary text and secondary sources to support your
claim. This means that the essay must be based on your original idea. Less than 25% of your
essay should be matched in the TumItIn originality report.

0 Cite your sources properly, using MLA format for both in-text citations and a Works Cited
page.

0 Essay should be double-spaced, typed in Times New Roman 12-point font, with l-inch
margins. You must include your name and the page number in the header of each page.

Themes:

1. Culture: Watch anmecula adaptation (films, TV series, musimD and compare the differences between the
primary text and the adaptation, focusing on the signifimme of those differences or similarities between the original
story and its contemporary representations. Songs do not count for this assignment.

summon: (up to 5points}

2. History: Where did Stoker get the idea for Dracula? Explore the origins of the vampire and Count Dracula.

Consider connections to historical figures, myths & legends, representations of vampires in other cultures, etc.

summon: (up to 5points}

3. Anthropology: The novelis set inTransylvania. What does this choice have to do withthe Victorian Gothic

obsession with power and race? Consider the Ottoman Empire, geography and cultures of the times

(Hmlgary/I‘urkey/gypsies), werewolves, class distinctions, degeneration, blood libel, etc.

summon: (up to 5points}

4. Feminism/GemIer/Smtality: The mouth andthe colors red andwhite were Victorian symbols of female

sexuality. Consider how the novel presents female powerflams), gender role confusion, and/ or sexual freedom (or

lack thereof). Look closely at descriptions of the lips and teeth of the vampire, nymphomania, hysteria, homoeroticism,
and penetrations (metaphorical or physieaD. Wmax

(up to spointS)

5. Psychology: Hypnotism, mesmerism, and wfllpower play a huge part in Count Dracula’s powers. Renfield is

also being studied inthe hmatic asylum, labeled a zoophagous patient. Consider how an attack on the mind fits into the

way we have studied Victorian Gothic psychology and the supernatural.
summon: (up to 5points}

6. Formalism: The entire novelis writteninepistolaryform, using journal entries, letter correspondeme,

newspaper clippings, scientific records, and more. Consider the effect of this format in telling the story, focusing on

suspense, descriptors, reliability of the narrator, etc. You might also consider the idea of duplimtion, with HOW things

are being recorded (i.e. shorthand, longhand, typewriter, journalism, etc). m

maul max ( up to 5point8)

J-