Narrative Analysis

Narrative Analysis (30%)Word count: 1700 words Task Value: 30% Step One: Choose one text from the selection below (“A tiny feast” or Run Lola Run). Step Two: Write a formal essay in which you answer the following research question: Discuss how the text”s narrative strategies position the reader/audience to produce meaning in the text. Choose only 3-4 of the narrative elements below to focus your essay. Narrative elements for consideration: – the relation of story to plot/narration – the traiting/functions of actors/characters – the construction of narrating perspective: addresser/addressee / narrator/narratee – the development and resolution of conflict – the character-driven or plot-driven emphasis of the text – generic conventions – time and its deployment in the text – the movement from equilibrium through disruption to equilibrium Please note that this is not a checklist, but a list of possibilities from which to choose. In your Narrative Analysis you will be expected to demonstrate: – critical analysis skills (essays that are largely descriptive will attract minimal marks) – research – students must reference at least 4 scholarly, theoretical readings from the Unit Reader (not inclusive of lectures) – correct in-text referencing (APA; must include page numbers) – A works Cited list at the end Selected Texts for Narrative Analysis: Adrian, Chris. A tiny feast,” The New Yorker, 2009 (20 April): 91-99. Run Lola Run (Lola rennt). Dir. Tommy Tykwer. X-Filme Creative Pool, 1998. Please note that the short story by Chris Adrian can be found at the back of the Unit Reader. The Library has a copy of the film Run Lola Run (Lola rennt) in Reserve. Alternatively, students may choose to access this film from an external audio-visual library. Assessments that do not meet the minimum requirement of referencing at least 4 scholarly, theoretical readings from the Unit Reader will receive a fail for this assessment. If you have any questions regarding this assessment, please ask them here! Lecturer: Narrative Analysis Dos and Don”ts: ? DO: – Have a thesis statement. Your thesis statement explains your argument in one succinct sentence. It usually is located at the end of your introduction. – Write topic sentences for each paragraph. Topic sentences are the very first sentence of each new paragraph and they concisely explain the point your will be arguing in that paragraph (a point in support of your overall argument as expressed in your thesis statement). – Use quotations and textual evidence appropriately. – Use direct quotes, and then explain quotes in your own words, link both quotations and textual evidence back to your argument. – Reference properly – Reference the appropriate number and type of texts – Leave time for editing and proofreading before submission – Write in a manner appropriate for an academic context ? DON”T: – Write an overly complicated, run-on sentence as your thesis statement – Write large, page long paragraphs that range from one topic to anothers with no cohesive point or argument to them – Quote and run” – quote without introducing, explaining and contextualising the quote properly – Describe the text you are analysing without applying narratological concepts and your own critical thinking skills to explain what is going on in the text, and advance your overall argument – Quote sans reference – Quote creative readings thinking they will count as theoretical readings – Decide you don”t need quotes or references. Remember, you must reference 4 theoretical readings to be eligible for a pass