Term Paper on "Animal Farm"

Quoted Instructions for "Animal Farm" Assignment:

Midterm assignment Eng123/Eng 4

spring 2007

Much of our daily social interaction reveal human desires and needs reflected in the operating rules of any civilization; those controlling forces of society dictates norms, approved conventions and proper behavior. (such as rules of courtship and dating, taking care of one*****s community, family life, building a home, going to work, caring for the children, etc.)

LITERATURE, as a symbolic process has often challenged the norms and social conventions which have been devised for the benefit of the rulers, those in power*****”usually those with money Without artists and *****s or political leaders who deviate from the *****status quo***** our human civilization is continually threatened*****”those who cannot adapt to social change inevitably will perish*****”and take down many others along with them. Any civilization is a process of on-going social evolution. But those in power often struggle to make sure they stay in power, often at the expense of others in that society. (see books by Jared Diamond)

Following the rules is most often a service to society, in one way---but critical thinking, at least in the hearts of *****s and artists--- allow us to evolve, make change and question the status quo that may eventually oppress us. In order to communicate a social critique or invite an audience to speculate change or discover the problems within the establisher order, artists and *****s create codes or a symbolic language*****”often using exaggeration or literary hyperbole to make a point --raising questions about ordinary or accepted behavior

The stories I*****ve suggested, by Boyle, Marquez and Gordimer *****“and the others that you*****ve found-- operate within a society that enforces behavioral expectations for the characters*****”although each of them make choices*****”at least make a decision-- with the context of their social milieu or environment or context *****”crafted by the author *****“ and within the dynamic of opposing forces, also shaped as a representation of the *****s comments or questions about that society. Sometimes we*****re offered heroes who go through a transformation or journey as a form of catharsis. Parables and allegories characters symbolically represent those conflicts and opposing forces that are present within many of us --especially in this country*****”a society that wants us to conform as well as rebel. The narrative offers readers an opportunity to gain power by examining repressive rules or rulers; the conflict is often a question of embracing modernity while upholding traditions.

For this in class writing, I would like you to initially put aside your own story or personal connection to these pieces, and consider how one story is constructed to reveal, question and assert a social critique or analyze . You might focus on character development, social context, physical setting, emotional tone, dialogue, flow of imagery and symbolic details. How does the title work to inform the piece you*****ve chosen? What comments can you make about the appropriateness of point of view? How does your selected piece deal with social criticism through its use of the elements of story, narrative, or allegory? Additionally, each ***** has included intentional symbolic elements meant to enrich themes and plot trajectory, or shape of the story unfolding. These details lend credibility to your interpretation, so do not forget to include them in your analysis. It's effective to provide an overview or summary, but don't ¬simply write a summary; rather directly refer to specific instances of the text that make the piece effective and interesting *****“as a literary work that explores the issues that need to be questioned. You certainly may conclude with your own interpretation of the story and/or the issues it addressed, but first I want you to analyze the piece considering the author*****s message. If you wish, you may make a personal connection and social observation after you*****ve successfully illuminated the story*****s literary elements. Due: ASAP / 3-4 pages