Last Night at the Lobster Critical Essay
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this assignment, students will be able to
Write a critical essay about a novel or novella that demonstrates well thought out arguments and
Analyse the way writers use work choice in complex characterization
Students are asked to write an integrative, critical essay of at least 2,000 words (+/- 200 words) on either Last Night at the Lobster or Keep the Aspidistra Flying. The essay should connect the workplace themes of the course, such as lack of work opportunities, lack of fulfillment in work, conformity based on necessity, search for freedom as balanced against social awareness and commitment to family, society, and nation.
The overall intent is to discuss the construction of a workplace identity in the main character and to show how this individual is able to negotiate a reasonable compromise between success and failure. The thesis statement could well draw attention to bigger historic and social issues, such as the role of the artist in the contemporary world and the effects of franchise and big business on blue collar workers.
The essay must analyze the characterization, focusing on character change and development, in the chosen novel. The essay may draw on secondary sources, as long as they are documented correctly using APA formats.
Instructions:
1. Choose the novel that resonates with you, your program of study, and your own work experiences.
a. For example, if you wish to explore a concept such as the effect of space and environment on people’s daily lives, then the Orwell novel might suit you.
b. Consider the text you have the strongest reaction to, whether positive or negative. Since it is clear that Last Day at the Lobster is shorter than the Orwell novel, (and a recent publication from a writer yet to be established in the literary canon, and also a novella (short novel) with the characteristics of that subgenre of fiction), it may seem the easier choice. However, the Orwell novel has much to say about the writer’s life that is linked to the business world, in terms of the book business, and takes a wider view of experiences that may be more accessible to readers, especially to those who have read 1984. One text can be related to food issues in our culture today and the other to the place of creative people in the workplace.
2. Compose a working thesis statement that shows your view of the main character in the novel. Then add a list of your own readers’ statements.
3. Working from you’re the notes you took as you read and class discussions, compose a draft, inserting quotations from the novel and drawing from examples.
4. Consider whether secondary sources such as academic journal articles might be helpful. In the case of Orwell, the supply of information and scholarly analysis would be endless. Bear in mind that these sources are only useful if they help you to answer your own readers’ questions.
5. Organize your essay carefully.
6. Write a second draft that is structured, with arguments and subtopics set out.
7. Check for accuracy in quotations and documentation of key scenes. Add page references.
8. Revise to create a nearly finished product.
9. Edit to correct spelling, punctuation, sentencing, and final working of the thesis.
Evaluation
The following rubric indicates those areas you should be focusing on in preparing your assignment, and how the instructor will weigh these components relative to one another.
Activity/Competencies Demonstrated
% of Assignment Grade
1
Critical Analysis and Use of Literary Primary Sources (55%)
a. depth of summary of facts, concepts, and issues in the primary text
/10
b. critical analysis
/15
c. clear arguments presented
/10
d. well chosen quotations presented
/10
e. synthesis of course materials
/10
2
Communication (25%)
a. word choice that is imaginative, accurate, and appropriate
/5
b. organization easy for reader to follow
/10
c. introduction that includes thesis statement
/5
d. conclusion that widens from fiction to real world
/5
3
Attention to Detail (20%)
a. balance of ideas and details
/5
b. correct spelling and grammar
/5
c. appropriate sentencing and paragraphing
/5
d. correct use of APA formats (in text citations and list of reference, title page)
/5
Total
/100
Assignment Value (%): 25%
/25
