Intertextual Analysis Paper
Description
In the course of our study of literature this term, we have focused on how literary writers produced writings that are a response to a culture or society’s way of seeing the world. For this paper assignment, I want you to extend our readings and discussions to our own contemporary social and global conflicts that we are witness to in the world today.
Process
To do this, you should become as familiar as you can with the scope of daily national and international news events. As often as possible, preferably on a daily basis, peruse the headlines and news stories of The New York Times at nytimes.com. Identify news stories whose themes you can relate in some way to one or more of the literary texts we’ve read in the course. Think about ways in which you might relate the literature we’ve read to some aspect of these news stories – what issues, questions, and conflicts resonate in both the news issue and the literature you’ve read? Once you decide on a news topic that interests you and one that parallels in some way the writings we’ve studied, learn more about the issue by clicking the Times Topics tab located in the row of files on the top left of the New York Times online screen on the first (main) page (just above the newspaper’s banner). On the Times Topics page, you’ll find a searchable index of all the archived stories about that topic. Read as many articles and relevant links as you are able to in order to gain a wide and deep knowledge about the topic. (Note: Eventually you will run out of allowable articles and be asked to purchase a subscription. You are not expected to purchase anything to complete the assignment. After you’ve fully utilized the Times Topics tool, you may research other news sources if needed but any alternative news source you use should be approved through me.)
Paper
Write a 900-1200 word (3-4 page typed, double-spaced, 11 or 12-size font) discussion of how your reading of two of the assigned literary texts helps us to better understand the complex nature of a significant news event. Start by describing why the news event is significant and then develop a discussion about how the literary texts you’ve chosen especially resonate with the contemporary topic. What is similar in both the texts and the contemporary event? What are some notable differences in the texts and the contemporary event? How can you help your reader better understand the contemporary event thru the lens of the texts? Be as creative with your choice of texts and discussion as you wish, but you must ground your discussion by quoting and paraphrasing directly from the literary texts as often as possible. Be sure to give your paper an attractive title that reflects the main idea of your discussion. Proofread your paper carefully for correct English grammar and conventions.
the literary works I will be using in my paper are:
- “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot and Contemporary Mental Health Issues:
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonist, who grapples with anxiety, isolation, and a sense of inadequacy. This literary work can be related to the contemporary news issue of mental health awareness and its impact on society. Mental health issues are increasingly being recognized as significant global concerns, and the New York Times often covers stories related to mental health, therapy, and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with various mental health conditions. By exploring how Prufrock’s internal conflicts and insecurities resonate with modern-day discussions on mental health, the paper can shed light on the importance of destigmatizing mental health and promoting accessible support and treatment for those in need.
2.Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Economic Inequality:
“Babylon Revisited” presents a story of a man, Charlie Wales, who grapples with the consequences of his past actions during the roaring twenties and the subsequent financial crash. This literary work can be connected to the contemporary news issue of economic inequality and its impact on society. The New York Times frequently covers topics related to income disparity, poverty, and financial struggles faced by various communities. By examining how Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the post-World War I era resonates with today’s discussions on income inequality and its effects on people’s lives, the paper can contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by economic disparities in the modern world and the importance of equitable economic policies and opportunities.
These two literary works can be thoughtfully related to current news issues and provide valuable insights into the complexities of human experiences that transcend time and place. By exploring the intersection between literature and real-world events, a deeper appreciation for the timeless relevance of these literary texts and their connections to contemporary social and global conflicts can be gained.
my nytimes.com log in is mckenziegrindley2@gmail.com and the password is Mckenzie#22
I have saved two stories under the “saved articles tab” that you can use
I have attached below the grading rubric
