Category: African Literatur

In 2 to 3 pages, double-spaced, write an essay on one major theme in Laila Lalami’s novel, The Moor’s Account. As write about it, intertextualize by using other novels we have read and discussed already in this modern African literature class, particularly the ones you liked or found affinity with.

In 3 to 5 pages, double-spaced, write an essay on one major theme in Laila Lalami’s novel, The Moor’s Account. As write about it, intertextualize by using other novels we have read and discussed already in this modern African literature class, particularly the ones you liked or found affinity with.
In other words, once you have identified a particular theme in The Moor’s Account, analyze how it manifests there and in other literary works (or authors) we have engaged with throughout this semester, i.e,  The Famished Road, Things Fall Apart, Americanah, Nervous Conditions, So Long a Letter, and Elizabeth Costello. Since this is an open-ended exam, you may choose two or more of the many books we have read in class for your intertextual analysis. 
Remember that we have read many novels, short stories/excerpts, poems, and essays. Also remember the basics of writing are using correct grammar, interpretation, and strong analysis. Correct tense construction, punctuation, and complete sentences and paragraphs are key to good writing. Also, anytime you name a novel, it must be underlined or italicized, as shown above. 
The first paragraph–the introduction–is due May 20. Use your current work for 3rd essay as a starting point, and improve your overall writing techniques during the remaining classes. As I said, this is an open-book final exam and you can ask anyone you trust to help you proofread your final essay, or you can edit and proofread it yourself a few times to ensure it’s perfect.
Grading Rubric: a good intro earns you 10%, and a good conclusion earns you 10%. Good transition and grammar 10%. 70% is for how you argue your case–the strength of your analysis and intertextuality (ie comparison between novels of how the theme is treated).