urpose: to analyze fiction for its real-world implications. to explain what the

urpose: to analyze fiction for its real-world implications. to explain what the text says about racial, economic, and gender-based oppression. to apply feminist concepts to literary analysis.
Audience: write for a reader that has not read The Bluest Eye nor is familiar with feminist theory. Take the role of the expert and explain what the text can teach us about racial, economic, and/or gender-based oppression.
Instructions: Read Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye. Then, your task is to elucidate in writing at least one element of racial, economic, and/or gender-based oppression that is present in the novel. You may rely on Marilyn Frye, Iris Marion Young, bell hooks or any of the other theories we’ve encountered in class so far, but this is not required. Make an argument in response to the broad question: “What is Toni Morrison trying to say about oppression in The Bluest Eye?” Back up your claims about the novel with citations and quotations.
Word to the wise: You do not need to bring other theories or readings of Morrison into your essay; you should not use this essay as an opportunity to write a personal reflection on how the novel makes you feel or what it makes you think of in your own life. The task is to reflect on the lessons Morrison is teaching readers about the experience of oppression. I care more about the depth of your thought than the breadth of your coverage of the novel. Any one instance of oppression you can pick out deserves at least 3 pages of consideration if not 20. Go for depth over breadth in your analysis.
Pro Forma: I will not grade you on grammar or syntax, but I will offer you feedback on your writing mechanics. The paper should be 3-4 pages in length, double spaced, not including title or reference page. Pick a font that doesn’t make me want to gouge my eyes out and roam the countryside until I die. If you write any statement beginning with “I feel” you will not receive a passing grade on the assignment. You may conjecture, argue, think, assert, claim, propose, consider, theorize, explain, speculate, question or any number of other verbs, but there is no place for feelings in this essay. I’m serious.
Points Possible: 8
Required Elements:
1) Basic summary of the novel, written for the sake of someone who hasn’t read it yet. (2 pts)
2) A thesis statement that clarifies the stance you are taking vis a vis the novel, and the steps you will take to support that stance (2 pts)
3) Close textual analysis of some element of the novel, including at least three properly cited quotation as evidence (3 pts)
4) Proper grammar and well organized ideas in standard written/academic English (1 pt)