Contextualization Essay

ENGL 2327
UNIT #1: EARLY SETTLERS
Contextualization Essay

You have been exposed to several different accounts of early settlers’ experiences in the texts you have read for this unit. It is important that we contextualize these letters within the larger framework of American history and national identity.
PROMPT:Choose ONE of the authors you have read in this unit.You will develop a written analysis of a particular work from that author (you may choose more than one work if you like), incorporating contextual elements related to their life, cultural history, or larger historical impact. Contextualize this author and their written work historically in relation to the political, social, economic, and/or philosophical changes which were taking place during this time period as a new “American” identity was being formed by the early settlers.
Choices include:
• Christopher Columbus
• Cabeza de Vaca
• John Smith
• John Winthrop
• Native American Trickster Tales
• Anne Bradstreet
As you begin to analyze how these texts relate to the author’s identity or larger historical contextualization, think in terms of WHY the text matters in a larger literary and historical perspective.
A few questions to consider:
• How does the author and work influence/impact social, political, or economic change in America?
• How does the author and work fit OR not fit with the new “American” identity?
• How does the author and work help shape new American ideals?
• How does the author approach the subject matter? How is does the work achieve a particular social or political goal/message? How are these historically situated?

• *You must include at least 1 research resource in your work. It must be cited correctly and included in a bibliography.
You should have a clear thesis and main ideas. You should expand on these ideas with solid evidence from outside sources and FROM THE TEXT. Use specific words, phrases, or passages to support your claims. Be sure to expand on them with in-depth analysis.
Your essay must be 2 – 3 pages in length, and is due by SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th at 11:59 pm.
Minimum page length must be met (to the bottom of the page), and proper MLA formatting is required.
*Please remember that all essays will be checked for plagiarism through the Safe Assign Database.

YOU WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
• Careful, close analysis of literary work and its major concepts, as well as of the author’s identity and historical contextualization.
• Ample concrete evidence used to support claims, both from the primary and secondary research resources.
• Use of proper number of research resources
• Proper page length, MLA formatting, and citations.
• Fully developed essay structure, including significant introduction, clear main ideas, and conclusion.
• Careful and clear organization of all ideas.
Helpful ideas when writing this essay…
Consider any combination of the following literary elements when writing your analysis:
• Characterization
o Archetypes
o Protagonist/Antagonist
o Major/secondary
o Development (flat; static; round; dynamic)

• Literary Devices
o Simile
o Metaphor
o Personification
o Irony
o Foreshadowing
o Flashbacks

• Structure
o Dramatic arc
o Conflict
o Solution/resolution/dénouement
o Point of View (POV)/narrator

• Literary Concepts
o Theme
o Symbol
o Motif
o Allusion
o Style

• Historical Contextualization
o Author
o Work
o Historical events
o Historical social/ethical/moral issues discussed in the text
o Etc.