Essay 4: Literary Research Paper

Research Prompt

Choose one literary work from this course—or compare two works—and develop an original literary argument that demonstrates how historical context, literary techniques, and cultural values contribute to the meaning of the text(s).

Your essay should move beyond summary by presenting a focused thesis supported by careful textual analysis and scholarly sources.

Suggested Topics

You may choose your own topic or consider one of the following:

• Heroism across cultures in Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, or Beowulf
• Justice and moral responsibility in Antigone and the Bhagavad Gita
• Medieval concepts of sin and redemption in Inferno
• Satire and social criticism in The Canterbury Tales
• Renaissance humanism in Hamlet
• Reality, imagination, and identity in Don Quixote
• Gender roles in one or more course readings
• Leadership and power across literary traditions
• Religion and morality in world literature
• The evolution of the literary hero from antiquity to the Renaissance

Students are encouraged to develop original research questions in consultation with their instructor.

Essay Requirements

Your paper should:

• Be 6–8 pages in length (not including the Works Cited page).
• Follow current MLA formatting and documentation guidelines.
• Present a clear, original, and arguable thesis.
• Incorporate evidence from the primary literary text(s).
• Include at least four scholarly secondary sources (or the number required by your instructor).
• Demonstrate literary analysis rather than plot summary.
• Include a properly formatted Works Cited page.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

This assignment assesses your ability to:

• Analyze literary works within their historical and cultural contexts.
• Develop an original literary argument.
• Integrate primary and secondary sources using MLA style.
• Apply literary terminology appropriately.
• Communicate ideas clearly through well-organized academic writing.

Suggested Research Process

1. Choose a literary work or pair of works.
2. Develop a focused research question.
3. Conduct library research using scholarly sources.
4. Read and annotate both primary and secondary sources.
5. Develop a working thesis.
6. Create an outline.
7. Draft your paper.
8. Revise for organization, analysis, and clarity.
9. Edit carefully for MLA style and grammar.

Evaluation Criteria

Before You Submit

Use this checklist before submitting your research paper:

☐ My thesis presents an original analytical argument.

☐ My paper is supported by both primary and scholarly secondary sources.

☐ I explain how my evidence supports my interpretation.

☐ I avoid excessive plot summary.

☐ My Works Cited page follows MLA guidelines.

☐ I have carefully revised and proofread my paper.

Looking Back

As you complete this final project, reflect on the literary journey you have taken throughout the semester. From the earliest surviving epics of ancient Mesopotamia to the innovations of the Renaissance, the texts in this course demonstrate that literature has long served as a way for people to explore identity, justice, faith, leadership, love, and the search for meaning.

Although these works emerged from different cultures and historical periods, they continue to speak to readers because they ask enduring questions about what it means to be human. Your research paper is an opportunity to join this ongoing conversation by contributing your own thoughtful interpretation supported by careful analysis and scholarly research.