Questions we Can Help you to Answer

Paper Instructions:

In this four to five page double-spaced paper, students will use a critical approach to argue for an interpretation of two texts we have read in this class. Look for two stories that have an interesting connection in their plot, setting, characters, language, imagery, or motifs. Use a critical approach that allows for a new perspective on the literature. Create a thesis that is interpretive/argumentative, specific/precise and unique that uses a critical approach to interpret the literature. Use textual references as well as one or two outside sources in this paper.  Use the literature resources from our Moorpark College Library: Literature and Literary Criticism link and/or HistoryLinks to an external site..  Please contact me if you need help finding outside resources. Use MLA documentation style (in-text citations AND works cited list). See 1885-1889, 1890-1906, 1923-1970.

First draft due to Smarthinking or MC Writing Center (appointment or email submission) Oct. 15-22; post feedback by Oct. 22-29

Final draft due –submit any time between Oct. 29 through Nov. 5 to the final submission link for Paper #2



Choose two texts:

Excerpts from Mary Shelly, Frankenstein (CH. 19)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,“A Study in Scarlet” Part I, ch. 1-3
Oscar Wilde, "The Canterville Ghost"


Virginia Woolf, "A Haunted House"
Charles Dickens, “The Signalman”
Excerpts from Bram Stoker’s, Dracula




Choose a critical approach:

Biographical or Historical Criticism
These criticisms look at the relationship between the historical setting, original audience, and biographical information of the writer as a lens to view an author's work.



Psychological Criticism
Conduct a psychological analysis of two stories. For example, you might explore how ghosts are used in literature to show that something may not be right in the world.