The Handmaidens tale book

Essay Guidelines 2020
Essays should be a minimum of 1750 words (6 pages) and must include citations from at least one scholarly,

secondary source. Any sources used (primary or secondary) must be cited according to MLA or APA guidelines. Please note that minimum guidelines are just that—papers that meet the minimum tend to be passing papers, not

strong ones. Analysis over several years indicate that the strongest papers are typically about 2000 words. Keep in mind that headings, titles, quotes and works cited entries, do not count in the official word count. Final drafts: Final drafts must be typed in MLA or APA format, double spaced with 1 inch margins.

Structure: This essay should follow basic essay structure (it must have an introduction, thesis statement, support paragraphs, conclusion, etc.) Essay should be written in standard, formal English.

A size twelve (12) serif font (i.e. Arial; Times New Roman) is preferred, with one (1) inch margins.

Essays must be written in standard, formal English.

Essays must be analytical (not summative) in nature.

Essays must focus on literature—not film versions of literary works. Film versions can be mentioned and

discussed as part of a secondary focus.

Outside works may be incorporated in the discussion, but should not be a primary focus of the essay unless

approval is given.

If you use short stories as a focus, you should use at least two of them in your discussion.

You must use appropriate terminology in your essays.

In addition to the study questions provided in the text or on Blackboard, you may explore your own topics, but

please, have them approved by me before proceeding.

General knowledge sources (dictionaries) may also be used, but they do not count as scholarly research sources.

If they are quoted directly, they must also be cited and referenced.

Avoid weak and lowly regarded sources (i.e. Sparknotes, Cliff Notes, Wikipedia).

Essays must be substantially different from each other in terms of topic and choice of readings covered.

Women are central, important figures in some of the works; in others, they play more supporting roles or are even oppressed. Discuss the role of women in literature