Background: Marxist criticism focuses on “the politics and ideologies of socioeconomic systems—that shape the psychological experience and behavior of individuals and groups” (Tyson 64).
Order Note: I have no preference on either of the two choices that need to be analyized, whatever is easier for you.
Prompt: In a well-developed multi-paragraph essay, analyze either “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-street” or Metamorphosis using the Marxist framework. The following are some possible questions to explore:
- How does the work reinforce (intentionally or not) capitalist or classist values?
- How might the work be seen as a critique of capitalism or classism? That is, in what ways does the text reveal and invite condemnation of oppressive socioeconomic forces (ideologies)?
- Does the work in some ways support a Marxist agenda, but, in other ways (perhaps unintentionally), support a capitalist or classist agenda? In other words, is the work ideologically conflicted?
- How does the work explore such ideas as the American dream, classism, rugged individualism, consumerism, patriotism, religion, and/or existentialism (agency, sense of self, free will, choice, personal responsibility, and meaning)?
You have the option of choosing one (or more) of these questions or a specific part of one of these essential questions.
You should also consider how specific literary elements (such as symbolism, character, narration, figurative language, irony, and theme) help to support your Marxist analysis of the text. Remember that college writing is evidence-based writing, so be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your Marxist interpretation of it. In your analysis, you should arrive at a theme statement, which is the implied message regarding a particular topic explored in the text. You SHOULD NOT consult or include any secondary sources (except Critical Theory Today.pdfLinks to an external site. if appropriate). Rather, your analysis should be based on your close reading of either “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-street” or Metamorphosis, and your interpretation should be an original analysis of the text. Provide plot details only when it helps focus the analysis.
In each body paragraph, you should integrate two appropriate passages from the text to support your interpretation. If you add additional body paragraphs, you should integrate two appropriate passages from the text to support your interpretation in the additional body paragraphs as well. You should include an introduction, three (or more) body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Your essay should be a minimum of three full pages and no longer than five pages. Your essay should adhere to MLA formatting guidelines Download MLA formatting guidelines(Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, and one-inch margins on all sides) and should be submitted as a file upload–either a Word document or a pdf. You should also include a Works Cited page (not included in the minimum page count).
Order Note: I don’t mean to be rude in asking this, but seems nessecary in today, please no AI generated content. Not looking for a super fantastic greatest-of-all-time paper, just B- or above and free of plargirism. Thank you.