Eighteenth-Century British Novel, spring 2002
Paper 2

The assignment for the second paper begins with the assignment for the second paper, that is, coming up with a topic. You should pick one aspect of Richardson’s Pamela or Fielding’s Joseph Andrews to explore. (And I wholeheartedly endorse expanding and developing ideas from response papers, though this is not required.) You may deal with both novels, comparing how each book deal with your issue, or you may focus on one of the novels. I would suggest, to begin, that you select one passage or scene—or chapter or letter—around which to define your claim. The paper should be grounded in a close study of textual details, with your claims discussed in relation to particulars and close readings.

The sharper your focus, the better your paper will be (such short papers can’t go for, and should not try for, coverage). One way to refine your claim and focus your paper is to look at how the book does what you say it does. Think about the relationship between mechanism and theme—the how and the what, and the way the two interact. For instance, while it’s no doubt true that Richardson wants to reform his audience, that Pamela tries to do so is not an analysis; it becomes one when you show how the novel does so (for instance, involving the reader in a mode of reflection—available through the intimate style of the letters—that trains, and reforms, the reader’s self-reflection).

I am very happy to discuss your topic, or ideas about it, either by email, phone, or in person.

You are welcome to use outside critical sources if you’d like, though they are not necessary. If you do use outside sources, they must be cited properly.

Papers should be 4-5 pages long, with normal font and normal margins. Titles pages are not necessary.

Topic proposals are due by Friday, 3/22 (I stress by; if you want feedback, you should run your topic by me sooner). You may email your topic proposal to me or hand in a hardcopy by Friday.

Rough drafts are due Monday, 3/25, when we’ll have an in-class editing workshop.

Papers are due Wednesday, 3/27.